The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), Peterborough Police Service and OPP Peterborough County Detachment anticipate an increase in outlaw motorcycle gangs’ (OMG) presence travelling through the Peterborough area during the Labour Day long weekend due to a scheduled event.
Outlaw motorcycle gangs are among criminal organizations whose vast array of criminal activity can cause harm and victimization in communities across Ontario according to the OPP.
They continue to state that the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts are law-abiding; however, OMGs are criminal organizations whose activities cause harm and victimization in communities across Ontario. They have been known to participate in illegal, profit-driven activities such as fraud, drug trafficking, extortion, intimidation and murder as stated by the OPP.
“When we became aware that an outlaw motorcycle gang had plans to hold an event on the border with our city, we immediately contacted the OPP and BEU to initiate a coordinated response,” said Stuart Betts, Peterborough Police Service Chief. “The Peterborough Police Service is a member agency of the BEU, and we have no tolerance for criminal organizations operating in, or near, our city. Public safety is our priority.”
The presence is expected near Fifes Bay Road and Lily Lake Road in Selwyn Township. To ensure the safety and well-being of community members, the OPP says there will also be an increased police presence in this area
“The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit, OPP Peterborough County Detachment and the Peterborough Police Service have taken measures to maintain safety in our communities this coming Labour Day weekend,” said Mike Stoddart, OPP Acting Chief Superintendent of Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau. “You will notice an increased police presence in the area, and we encourage you to contact the OPP Peterborough Detachment or Peterborough Police Service to report any suspicious or criminal activity.”
Anyone with information regarding illegal activity associated with outlaw motorcycle gangs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477 (8477) or online.