The Friday the 13th biker rally in Port Dover attracts thousands or normal, responsible motorcyclists, but also what police call 'bad guys." Tomorrow is one of those days. With sunny weather and a high of 22, it's expected to be a near record crowd.
The OPP Biker Enforcement Unit is warning attendees about the activities and attendance of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs.
"While the vast majority of motorcycle riders are law-abiding citizens, Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs exist and continue to profit from illegal activities such as fraud, drug and human trafficking, extortion and money laundering," warns the OPP in a news release. "These illicit activities directly harm our communities."
The OPP says that buying and wearing support merchandise is unwittingly supporting known organized crime groups. The profits from gang-generated merchandise directly support illegal activities.
"With ongoing tensions between rival Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs and their support clubs, seemingly harmless open display or wearing of any recognized gang-related clothing or paraphernalia may put an individual at risk of being targeted by rival members this weekend."
OPP officers will be in attendance in and around Port Dover with a heavy focus on traffic flow and direction throughout the event.
"Although Friday the 13th attracts mostly law-abiding motorcycle enthusiasts, we continue to see the presence of those who live and promote a lifestyle outside of the law," says Detective Inspector Brad Nunn. "Our priority is keeping everyone safe. We ask that anyone attending avoids wearing and purchasing gang-related merchandise, which supports criminal activities. It may seem like a simple t-shirt or hat, but wearers of support merchandise may unknowingly impact their own personal safety especially given the tensions between rival gangs."
