Tasmanian's Police Minister is concerned about the increased activity and membership of bikie gangs in Tasmania.
David O'Byrne has told a parliamentary hearing bikie gangs are extending operations.
Mr O'Byrne said they had grown in size in the past 12 months and had extensive criminal links.
He has told Upper House MPs, Tasmanian police were working closely with their interstate colleagues to tackle the problem.
"There's no doubt that there has been an increase in outlaw gang membership in the last 12 months and there is no doubt that there is an increased level of activity, " he said.
The Police Commissioner Darren Hine agreed the issue was growing and said some bikies in Tasmania had extensive criminal links.
"It's about targeting those people who we know can be involved and are involved in criminal activities."
Independent MLC Tony Mulder told the hearing it was a significant admission.
"Last year you didn't have a serious and organised crime problem. You said that."
"This year, you are quite clearly saying you do have a serious organised crime problem.
"Last year, you gave a commitment that you would monitor the situation and if it changed and more resources would be required, you would move them if necessary."
Mr Mulder said delays in tabling unexplained wealth laws showed the Government was not doing enough to tackle the problem.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/17513405/rise-in-bikie-gangs-worries-police-minister/
David O'Byrne has told a parliamentary hearing bikie gangs are extending operations.
Mr O'Byrne said they had grown in size in the past 12 months and had extensive criminal links.
He has told Upper House MPs, Tasmanian police were working closely with their interstate colleagues to tackle the problem.
"There's no doubt that there has been an increase in outlaw gang membership in the last 12 months and there is no doubt that there is an increased level of activity, " he said.
The Police Commissioner Darren Hine agreed the issue was growing and said some bikies in Tasmania had extensive criminal links.
"It's about targeting those people who we know can be involved and are involved in criminal activities."
Independent MLC Tony Mulder told the hearing it was a significant admission.
"Last year you didn't have a serious and organised crime problem. You said that."
"This year, you are quite clearly saying you do have a serious organised crime problem.
"Last year, you gave a commitment that you would monitor the situation and if it changed and more resources would be required, you would move them if necessary."
Mr Mulder said delays in tabling unexplained wealth laws showed the Government was not doing enough to tackle the problem.
http://au.news.yahoo.com/latest/a/-/latest/17513405/rise-in-bikie-gangs-worries-police-minister/