OPP investigating 'threats of violence' between Hells Angels and Outlaw bikers

Provincial police are investigating two separate incidents involving"threats of violence and intimidation" between members of the Hells Angels and Outlaw biker gangs in Port Dover on Friday the 13th.

• OPP: Friday the 13th motorcycle rally in Port Dover a 'relatively peaceful' event

• Don't support organized crime by buying biker gear in Port Dover: OPP

On July 11, police warned motorcycle enthusiasts planning to attend the popular rally thattensions were mounting between the rival gangs.

But in a media release issued after the weekend where anestimated 200,000 descended on thecommunity, the OPP described the weekend as "relatively peaceful."

Nine days later, the OPP's Organized Crime EnforcementBureau published another media release, this timeasking members of the public who were in town during the eventfor help.

Anyone with information is asked to call the OPP at 1-888-310-1122. Tips can also be providedanonymouslythrough Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS).

A boon for local businesses

The mass motorcycle gathering happens everyFriday the 13thand is part of a tradition that dates back to 1981 when a Port Dover motorcycle shop owner met up with some friends.

It's a major source of income for businesseslocated on the north shore of Lake Erie, about an hour southwest of Hamilton.

John Wells, Norfolk County'scouncillor for the ward that includes Port Dover, said he was downtown working in the beer tent on both Thursday and Friday night during the rally. He said he wasn't aware of any threats or intimidation taking place at the time.

"It was a very successful event," he said. "I'm not saying there weren't problems.I'm just saying I wasn'taware of them."

Wells said the presence of gangs is noticeable because of they wear specific patches and clothing, but addedpeople tend to police themselvesand be on their best behaviour during the event.

"Any problems we have had haven't been caused by different gangs or groups of different bikers," Wells explained.

Buthe did admitthat having gangs in town could lead to issues.

"I guess there is the possibility that in the past these groups of individuals may have met each other at a different venue and sometimes when they meet againthe remember the past."

Extremely well-behaved people

Still, he said Port Dover has hosted dozens of the rallies over the years, all without any "major problems," despite the sense that people outside the town are "just waiting for something [bad] to happen.

"We attribute a certain reputation to bikers and from what I can see, from the Friday the 13ths that they've had here that reputation is not something they bring with them. They are extremely well-behaved people and I'm pleased to welcome them to my community."