Peterborough OPP and Police Monitor Expected Increase in Criminal Motorcycle Gang Activity in Area This Weekend

PETERBOROUGH-The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit (BEU), OPP Peterborough County Detachment and the Peterborough Police Service expect to see more outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMG) traveling through the Peterborough area this weekend, August 31, 2024 through September 2, 2024, due to a planned event.

Outlaw motorcycle gangs are among the criminal organizations whose many criminal activities can cause harm and victimization in communities across Ontario, according to police.

“The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit, OPP Peterborough County Detachment and Peterborough Police Service have taken steps to maintain safety in our communities over the upcoming Labor Day weekend. 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,” said Mike Stoddart, Acting Chief Inspector of the OPP’s Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau.

The OPP and Peterborough Police Service are advising members of the public to expect an outlaw motorcycle gang presence around Fifes Bay Road and Lily Lake Road in Selwyn Township this coming weekend. There will also be an increased police presence in this area to ensure the safety and well-being of community members.

“When we became aware that a criminal motorcycle gang was planning to hold an event on our city’s border, we immediately contacted the OPP and BEU to initiate a coordinated response. The Peterborough Police Service is a member of the BEU and we will not tolerate criminal organizations operating in or near our city. Public safety is our priority,” said Peterborough Police Service Chief Stuart Betts

The BEU is a joint unit led by the OPP Organized Crime Enforcement Bureau (OCEB) and works with other police services and law enforcement agencies to disrupt and dismantle organized crime groups.

In May, there was a fire at the clubhouse of the newly formed Rock Machine OMG in Hastings. Read the story here: https://www.kawartha411.ca/2024/05/30/opp-and-fire-marshal-investigating-fire-at-biker-gang-clubhouse-in-hastings/

Anyone with information regarding illegal activities by criminal motorcycle gangs is asked to contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or anonymously to Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or ontariocrimestoppers.ca.