The Hells Angels are the biggest motorcycle gang in country with 36 chapters across Canada.
P.E.I. has had an outlaw motorcycle gang presence since 2012 called the Bacchus Motorcycle Club. They have chapters in Alberton and Alliston.
There hasn’t been a Hells Angels presence, other than the occasional visit, until now.
The Charlottetown Polices Services recently became aware that a building on Fitzroy Street was purchased and turned into a clubhouse.
The new chapter in Charlottetown is considered to be a “hangaround club”. Becoming a hangaround member is the first step to becoming a Hells Angels. The next step is to become a prospect and then a full-patch member.
The members held an impromptu party Nov. 11 with about 30-50 people coming and going.
But for the party Saturday night, Charlottetown Police Services and RCMP estimated there would be upwards of 100 people and this was the one they really wanted to keep their eye on.
RCMP Cpl. Andy Cook, who is the provincial outlaw motorcycle gang co-ordinator and is in charge of the drugs and organized crime awareness service, sat in a van scoping out the clubhouse taking pictures and notes of who was within what groups and associations.
“I’m here to gather intelligence on these guys.” said Cook. “It’s important for us to gather intelligence on them so that we can conduct investigations if necessary if there is indications of criminality.”
Members wearing patches depicting what clubs they belong to could be seen on their chests and backs.
When approached, no one was willing to comment to The Guardian.
The group that has formed on P.E.I. have a red and white patch on the left side of their chest that says “Woodbridge”.
Cook said he saw P.E.I’s Woodbridge Hells Angels hangaround club members going into the building Saturday night along with a host of other Hells Angels and affiliates from across the country.
“When you see the Hells Angels come in to a community that is a huge cause for concern,” said Cook. “They have a very long a lengthy history of violence.”
Cook said he believes they set up a chapter on P.E.I. to show their territory.
“I think people need to understand what the Hells Angels are and educate themselves because when they come to town, there is known problems that come with them.”
Cook said law enforcement is doing everything they can right now and that everybody who should be working together is working together regarding this new presence.
“They need to know that we know that they are here and if they are committing criminal acts they are not welcome,” said Cook. “If they are not committing criminal acts, then they are like anyone else, they are free to go where they like.”
Charlottetown Police Services had several cruisers and officers on the scene for the party. They had also set up cameras on the electrical poles facing the building.
Deputy Chief of Police, Brad MacConnell, said they have been keeping an eye on the location since it was purchased.
“The place is of much interest to us. It will be monitored all the time.”
MacConnell said they plan to install permanent E-watch cameras in the area.
MacConnell said they are trying to figure what it means for the city and province to have a chapter in P.E.I.
“Being the police department they decided to locate to, it’s our obligation to try and ascertain what that purpose is.”
MacConnell said he hopes having such a heavy police presence will resonate with them.
“We want them to know if they are going to come to Charlottetown they are going to draw a lot of attention here and any criminal element that may be associated to them will be a top priority for our police service.”
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Motorcycle Clubs in P.E.I.
- Bacchus- Alliston, Alberton
- Saints- Charlottetown
- Charlottetown Harley Club- Charlottetown
- Villains-Summerside
- Dying Breed-Summerside
- Woodbridge Hells Angels hangarounds-Charlottetown
