Fighting back: Castle Hill Police Detective Inspector Gary Bailey has urged the public to report all bikie-related crime with the reassurance of full anominity. Picture: Gene Ramirez
Hells Angels are trying to recruit school-aged children in the Hills as drug runners according to police.
Strike Force Jounama has been formed to investigate a string of drug offences and violent extortion attempts on school-aged children.
In recent months, members of the Hells Angels are accused of trying to recruit school-aged children as drug runners, and distributing cannabis and amphetamines throughout the Baulkham Hills and Castle Hill areas.
Police believe a number of people associated with the Hells Angels have also robbed male youths in the area and threatened their families with physical violence.
Castle Hill Detective Inspector Gary Bailey said with the community’s help police will put the offenders before the courts.
“It is time we put an end to these types of incidents,” he said.
‘‘We understand some people may be fearful of coming forward, but it is a priority for police to protect the anonymity of anyone who supplies us with information.”
Detective Inspector Bailey would not comment on the rise of bikie-related crime throughout western Sydney, but said it was worrying to see it spreading to the low-crime-rate Hills area.
“This behaviour is not acceptable ... these people feel they can move into this area and intimidate [others],’’ Detective Inspector Bailey said.
They are also accused of multiple home invasions and drive-by shootings in Cherrybrook, Northmead, Merrylands and Guildford.
In the first half of 2012, the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research recorded over 100 shootings throughout the Holroyd, Fairfield and Hurstville areas. Among the highest hit areas were Auburn with 34 instances Merrylands with 29 and Fairfield with 13.