POLICE are making no apologies for targeting the Gypsy Jokers during their national run.
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About 100 bikies from across the country are in the North East as part of the run.
About 100 to 150 police officers from several states are watching them closely.
Police checked each gang member and motorbike that passed through a roadblock in Osburn Street, Wodonga on Monday morning.
Superintendent Paul O’Halloran said outlaw motorcycle gangs used violence and intimidation and were involved in extortion, drug trafficking and prostitution.
“It’s common knowledge and open source reporting they’re involved in significant, serious crime,” he said.
“And unless you manage that, things can get out of control, and we want to make sure that doesn’t happen.
“All motorcycle gangs are (violent) and that’s how they work, on intimidation.
“We know that outlaw motorcycle gangs are involved in extortion, drugs and prostitution at various levels.”
The fact the Jokers identified as one-percenters showed they weren’t simply a motorbike enthusiast club, he said.
“They don’t believe in following the rules, so we have to make sure they do,” Superintendent O’Halloran said.
The gang has been linked to extreme violence, including a car bomb double murder and shootings.
Police did not detect any offences at the roadblock on Monday morning.
Superintendent O’Halloran said officers would have “no problem whatsoever” with the riders if they obeyed the law.
“But if they step out of line, they’ll be dealt with,” he said.
Most people in the community wanted police to target outlaw motorcycle gangs, he said.
“You can’t have it both ways,” Superintendent O’Halloran said.
“If we didn’t run operations, then the situation can be that it would be taken advantage of.
“The law-abiding, silent majority want to see the police out there making sure that people are safe.”
The bikies, who are heading through Bright, Omeo, and Orbost before returning to Wodonga, have travelled from as far as Western Australia and South Australia.
Officers from those states are monitoring the gang with federal police and Victorian officers from the anti-bikie Echo Taskforce, Operations Response Unit, tactical police and more.