Watch above: Outlaws biker gang sets up shop in Saskatoon
SASKATOON – According to Saskatoon police, a faction of the Outlaws Motorcycle Club has now moved into the city.
Det.-Insp. Jerome Engele said at least seven Outlaws members have been seen driving around the city in their full colours.
“They have a clubhouse also within the area of Saskatoon. And so with that information, it tells us that they’re here to stay,” he explained.
Engele said our province’s economic boom can be a big draw for international gangs.
“We have an area where people are quite affluent, there’s more money available, and jobs available. As a result, I think they’re looking to prosper,” he speculated.
The gang has set up shop in provinces like Ontario and Quebec. Their main rivals are the Hells Angels.
“History tells us they don’t get along that well, especially in Ontario,” Engele explained.
“Our Hells Angels have not had any competition at all in the area … it’s concerning, however we’re well prepared,” he said.
André Poilievre is the founder of STR8 UP, an organization that helps young people transition out of gang life.
He said there are currently about five major gangs in Saskatoon and with little space to spread out, territoriality is a big problem.
“There definitely is space for conflict. The same people work in the same area, doing the same job,” Poilevre explained.
“It’s competition for the bucks, and whoever is the strongest gets most of the money,” he said.
The Outlaws Motorcycle Club was established in Illinois in 1935. In 1978, the group founded its first foothold in Canada, when members of Montreal’s Satan’s Choice gang changed allegiance and set up shop.
Saskatoon police say there are no public safety concerns at this point.
The investigative division continues to monitor the Hells Angels and the Outlaws, and prepare for any issues that arise.
Comments