Almost half of the members of a fledgling WA bikie club are behind bars following a Gang Crime Squad investigation into a recent series of violent home invasions.
A woman was allegedly threatened with an axe during one of the terrifying incidents involving the Lone Wolf MC, where a member of a rival street gang was also assaulted. Five men with links to the Lone Wolf club are now facing a range of serious charges after being arrested.
Detectives continue to investigate the club after its members and nominees were allegedly involved in a series of crimes last month, including a violent rampage in Stratton on May 15. Police will allege several members and nominees of the club went to the Skyros Mews home to confront a member of a rival street gang.
It’s alleged a senior member of the bikie club sought help from fellow members and associates to commit the attack, during which they forced their way into a neighbouring house and assaulted a man. A woman was also threatened with an axe, before a second man was also assaulted.
Another home invasion in Cloverdale on May 21 also carried out by the club members saw a man assaulted with a golf club.
Detectives executed 10 search warrants across Perth last Thursday as part of an ongoing investigation into the offences. The Lone Wolf clubhouse on Vinnicombe Drive in Canning Vale was among the properties searched. It has been stripped of club paraphernalia, some of which was put on display by police at a press conference today.
Five men, who are either nominees or members of the club, have been charged with aggravated home burglary and commit, assault occasioning bodily harm and common assault. Cocaine, cannabis, steroids and drug paraphernalia was also seized.
All five men are behind bars. Police sources have stressed that the recent series of incidents are not linked to any kind of simmering bikie or gang war.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Mottolini said the arrests have dented the club, which only has about 12 members.
“Going forward from here we have further inquiries to conduct, hopefully we will charge more members…and disrupt their activities if not dismantle this particular gang,” he said.
As part of the ongoing investigation police are seeking the whereabouts of 28-year-old Craig Todd Michael, as well as the men shown in the above CCTV footage captured at a petrol station. Anyone who sees him should call police.
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Source: The West Australian