Willetton residents have been left rattled after police raided a suspected Bandidos outlaw motorcycle gang clubhouse (OMCG) quietly operating in a commercial strip on Kembla Way.
The planned gathering of “patched” members from across the country was cut short by WA Police, with Mayor of Canning Patrick Hall present during the raid.
He described the discovery as “a shock” and a serious threat to community safety.
“I’ve only just learned that the Bandidos have had a chapter operating in the City of Canning,” Mayor Hall said.
“It’s news to me, and I believe it’s news to the administration. We were not aware of their presence in Willetton.”
The property, located in a commercial area, has no signage and had reportedly been operating behind closed doors for some time.
Residents are now coming forward with accounts of loud noises, screeching tyres, and unsettling activity in the area, which they only recently connected to the bikie clubhouse.
Mr Hall said he had received phone calls, messages and emails from concerned residents and business owners who fear what the gang’s presence means for the suburb.
“People are now frightened, and they should be. We’re hearing from locals who have suspected something for months but didn’t know what it was.”
One local resident said the presence of bikies in Willetton was really concerning.
“Bikie gangs have proved to be absolutely not good citizens, which is why they are being outlawed.”
WA Police have now confirmed that two Bandidos members will appear in court after officers executed a search warrant at the Willetton clubhouse on Saturday, May 17.
The Gang Response Team and Tactical Response Group carried out the search under the Misuse of Drugs Act. During the operation, officers seized a number of items, including illicit drugs.
A vehicle control point was set up at the site, with 137 people passing through and 10 vehicle stops conducted.
Police issued seven dispersal notices, one vehicle defect notice and laid two charges.
A 32-year-old Baldivis man was charged displaying insignia of an identified organisation in a public place, while a 50-year-old New South Wales-based Bandidos member was charged with possessing a prohibited drug.
Mayor Hall, a former police officer who once worked on outlaw motorcycle gang investigations, said the situation feels personal.
“It seems all wrong that we have one of these groups in the City of Canning. These gangs are involved in shootings, stabbings, and organised crime. That’s not what we want near our homes and businesses,” he said.
The timing of the discovery follows the recent shooting of a man believed to be linked to the rival Comancheros gang. The 51-year-old was found with multiple gunshot wounds and leg injuries, further highlighting the risk of gang-related violence spilling into the community.
“This is another reminder to the community that OMCGs are not harmless motorcycle clubs — they are violent criminal gangs causing harm and disruption across our country,” said Detective Senior Sergeant Anthony Thompson, Officer-in-Charge of the Gang Crime Squad. “We will not tolerate brutal violence, intimidation and stand over tactics.”
Under Western Australia’s anti-consorting laws, it is an offence for members of identified criminal organisations to gather in public places, display gang insignia, or associate with other convicted offenders. The laws also allow police to issue dispersal notices and remove tattoos, clothing, or patches that display outlaw motorcycle gang symbols.
According to Mayor Hall, the City of Canning is exploring every possible legal and planning avenue to disrupt the group’s activities.
“We’re asking questions about compliance with the building code and our planning scheme. If there’s a loophole, we’ll find it,” he said.
“If I had my way, we’d close it down tomorrow.”
He also noted that local governments have a role to play in disrupting criminal organisations.
“The City of Canning has an MOU in place with WA Police, and often OMCGs illegally fortify their premises or make unapproved alterations.”
While the mayor could not confirm whether the gang’s use of the property breached any planning or lease conditions, he said inquiries were underway.
“It’s disappointing they were able to move in covertly. But now that we know, we’re acting.”
Mayor Hall urged the public to report any suspicious activity related to outlaw motorcycle gangs to Crime Stoppers.
“People should be aware that the Bandidos are in the area and they should be assisting the police by reporting any bikie related activity or movements to crime stoppers. It’s important we know exactly what they’re doing and where they’re doing it.”
“They have no place in Metropolitan Perth,” he said. “We need to stand up together as a community. Speak up. Report what you see. That’s how we push them back into the shadows.”
