Beginning today and continuing through the motorcycle riding season, RCMP NL will be reminding the public and community organizations of the criminal threat posed by outlaw motorcycle gangs through a social media campaign called True Colours.
"Outlaw motorcycle gangs have extensive criminal networks and are known for drug trafficking, violence and murder, money laundering and extortion, among other illegal activities," said Inspector Stefan Thoms, RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime. "Public relations efforts, such as participation in legitimate charitable events and toy drives for children, are used by Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs to deceive and manipulate the public into thinking their members are contributing community citizens and free spirits who just love to ride. Our message to residents throughout our province with this social media campaign is to not be fooled; they are criminals prone to violence and intimidation."
Outlaw motorcycle gangs are linked to 50% of all organized crime groups in Canada and have been identified as a top criminal threat by the Canadian Integrated Response to Organized Crime (CIROC), which coordinates a national effort to disrupt organized crime through information sharing amongst law enforcement and partner agencies.
Outlaw motorcycle gangs should not be confused with law-abiding motorcycle clubs. The gangs embrace the term "1%er" and "1% Club", which distinguish them from the majority of motorcycle enthusiasts who obey the law. The 1% symbol is often seen as a tattoo or as part of the "colours" of an outlaw motorcycle gang – "colours" refers to the official uniform for all members of an outlaw motorcycle gang and consists of a denim or leather vest, the club logo on the back and other patches and pins on the front. See examples here: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/outlaw-motorcycle-gang-colours-and-terminology
Social media followers are encouraged to follow the True Colours campaign on the Facebook, Instagram and Twitter accounts of RCMP NL and to like and share the posts to help educate the public and raise awareness of the negative impacts of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs. See the first image of the campaign below.
For more information on Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs: https://www.rcmp-grc.gc.ca/en/outlaw-motorcycle-gangs
RCMP NL Federal Serious and Organized Crime targets criminal activity involving national security, transnational and serious organized crime and cybercrime throughout the entire province of Newfoundland and Labrador.