Members of the Hells Angels and supporters of the outlaw motorcycle gang are expected to be in the city this weekend, as Lethbridge Police will be joined by officers from law enforcement agencies across Alberta and Canada.
“We’re anticipating anywhere from 200 to 300 members,” says LPS Acting Insp. Pete Christos. “They’re looking to establish themselves within our city.”
Police are advising the public members of a new Hells Angels chapter in Lethbridge, their support clubs and others, are holding a grand opening party and are anticipated to ride during various events over Street Machines Weekend. Their presence is expected to be highly visible and police will assess any potential threat to public safety on a case-by-case basis.
LPS, alongside officers from the RCMP, ALERT Integrated Gang Enforcement Team, Calgary Police Service, Edmonton Police Service, Medicine Hat Police Service, Taber Police Service, Camrose Police Service and other Canadian police agencies, have joined in a coordinated response and will be visible throughout the city to monitor outlaw motorcycle gang members and their activities.
“We’ve been collecting information and evaluating it for a period of time now. We’re prepared for this,” notes Christos.
In addition, Section 69.1(1) of the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act, enables the exclusion and removal of gang members from licensed establishments and police will monitor potential attendance at applicable locations.
“It has been well documented many outlaw motorcycle gang members, their friends and associates, are involved in criminal activity,” adds Christos. “We will be working with our policing partners to monitor their presence, deter illegal activity and maintain public safety through an overt police presence.”
It is expected a large number of Hells Angels and their supporters will arrive in the city Friday. The public is asked to be aware of the significant increase in motorcycle traffic and share the road safely.
“I would ask citizens to enjoy this weekend, as well. We’ll be monitoring these individuals also. I want to make sure public safety is our priority. Do not engage them at all,” says Christos.
Hells Angels clubhouses have been identified in cities throughout the country for some time.
“For here, we’re prepared to deal with this as it evolves. At this point, we don’t have an assessment. We’ll determine that, as time goes on,” says Christos. “As for the clubhouse, we have a location identified, but we’re not prepared to divulge that at this time.”
