Outlaw motorcycle gangs threaten community safety
Outlaw motorcycle gangs are a serious criminal threat in Saskatchewan. There has been an outlaw motorcycle gang presence in this province for decades, however Saskatchewan has seen an increase in the number of outlaw motorcycle gangs in recent years.
Are all motorcycle clubs outlaw motorcycle gangs?
No. Riding clubs or motorcycle enthusiast clubs are simply people who like to ride motorcycles and are not engaging in criminal activity or support any outlaw motorcycle gang culture. One percent clubs are groups that are engaging in criminal activity. Support clubs may not necessarily engage in criminal activity but do support a 1% club or hold territory for them.
Saskatchewan RCMP investigations have shown that outlaw motorcycle gangs are violent and are involved in numerous criminal activities. They threaten community safety through activities such as drug trafficking, money laundering, illegal firearms dealing, intimidation, violence and sex trafficking.
Sometimes these gangs generate some revenue through public events like illegal poker runs and fishing derbies. These events may be charitable in nature. The public should be aware that these events are an attempt to give outlaw motorcycle gangs an appearance of legitimacy within the communities.
What are police doing?
Combatting outlaw motorcycle gangs is a priority for law enforcement throughout Canada. The Saskatchewan RCMP dedicates resources such as intelligence units, combined enforcement units and frontline police officers to outlaw motorcycle gang enforcement efforts in the province.
What can your community do?
Communities can deter outlaw motorcycle gang presence by not supporting them. This includes not buying support merchandise associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs and not participating in charitable activities organized by them. Charities should also be wary of accepting donations from outlaw motorcycle gangs, as they could be indirectly supporting organized crime.
Members of the public are encouraged to minimize contact with gang members and report any suspicious activity concerning outlaw motorcycle gangs to police. Regularly reporting suspicious activity sends a strong message that criminal activities are not welcomed in your community. It also helps police get a clearer picture of organized crime occurring in the area. You can report information to your local police detachment or to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.
From September 27th to October 3rd Kindersley RCMP responded to a total of 41 calls for service. Some of these calls for service included 3 mental health calls, 3 Fire Prevention Act and 3 suspicious persons calls.
If you need to report any suspicious activity in your community, please contact the Kindersley RCMP detachment by calling 306-463-4642 or their local police service. Information can also be provided anonymously through Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers by calling 1800-222-TIPS (8477) or submitting a tip online at www.saskcrimestoppers.com.
Online Crime Reporting can be accessed at: https://ocre-sielc.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/saskatchewan.