Ontario Police Warn Public as Biker Gang Violence Intensifies

A file photo of an Ontario Provincial Police logo. Nathan Denette/The Canadian Press

In the aftermath of an outbreak of violence between two rival biker gangs in southwest Ontario this weekend, the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) is warning the public to avoid engaging with or antagonizing gang members.

“Outlaws Motorcycle Gangs (OMG) members are known to carry weapons and to engage in violent behaviour. If you encounter an OMG member(s), do not approach them,” the OPP said in a news release on July 11.

“Ontarians are also reminded of the dangers of wearing gang-related clothing or paraphernalia. In addition to supporting illegal activities by purchasing these items, you may also put yourself at risk of being targeted by rival OMGs.”

The OPP noted that police are investigating two incidents that occurred in Ontario between July 8 and 10 involving both the Outlaws and the Loners Motorcycle Clubs.

On July 8, a fight between the two gangs in Cornwall left three people injured, two people with stab wounds, and one with a gunshot wound. Following the incident, five individuals were taken into custody and charged, according to Cornwall Police.

On July 10, a hideout belonging to the Outlaws in Brockville was damaged in a fire that spread to nearly a dozen homes in the area, causing around $4 million in damage to houses and vehicles. Brockville Fire Department’s deputy fire chief said the fire was “suspicious” while the OPP’s biker enforcement unit (BEU) called the incident a “suspected arson.”

The BEU is assisting with the investigation of the two incidents, and said in a July 11 release that it continues to “tackle the criminal activities of OMGs through an integrated, intelligence-led approach.”

Gangs Entering Smaller Communities

On July 5, the BEU arrested 12 people, pressed 52 charges, and seized $33,000 in drugs, cash, and firearms following a drug trafficking investigation centred around the town of Alymer. Four of the people charged are members of OMGs, while eight others are associates.

Mr. Wade warned that the gangs had set up sophisticated networks, and are migrating to smaller communities to expand their drug trafficking operations. “They use what they call the power of the patch to establish their presence and establish their power. Obviously, they want to disguise the drug trafficking, but they also do want to make a public presence,” he said.

The OPP said that while the vast majority of motorcycle enthusiasts are law-abiding, OMG members are part of criminal organizations that engage in illegal, profit-driven activities like fraud, money laundering, money counterfeiting, drug trafficking, and human trafficking.

The RCMP website says that outlaw motorcycle gangs exist in every province of Canada, are interconnected across provincial and municipal jurisdictions, and have international connections and associations. It recommends Canadians help ensure the safety of their communities by refusing to buy or wear gang support gear, decline participation in charitable activities organized by gangs, minimize their contact with members, and report any suspicious activity to the police.