Fewer police for this year’s Bulldog Bash in Warwickshire?

[dutchman]

The police operation at this year’s Bulldog Bash Biker’s festival in Warwickshire could be scaled back for the second-year running.



Police say the threat posed by rival biker gangs the Hells Angels – who organise the event- and the Outlaws at the moment seems low, although there is still international concern about their connections with violence and organised crime.

Last year 12,500 came to the 4-day event at Long Marston Airfield and this year Status Quo will be there as organisers celebrate its 25th anniversary.

The festival hit the headline back in 2007 when a Hells Angel, Gerry Tobin, was murdered on his way back from the event on the M40 by members of the Outlaws. Ever since the police have tried to stop the event and have refused to rule out applying to Stratford District Council to have its licence removed for the 3rd time.

Around 175 officers were present at last year’s event and that could be reduced this year. People living near the site are also being promised more flexible road closures; there will also be searches carried out at undisclosed locations and times.

The man leading this year’s policing operation, Assistant Chief Constable Neil Brunton, said:

“The policing strategy for this year’s event has been reviewed by myself and I have taken full regard of the impact a policing operation has on the local community.

“The Hells Angels are nationally recognised as an organised crime group and therefore Warwickshire Police remain of the opinion that Bulldog Bash should not be allowed to take place in Warwickshire.

“The rivalry and violence continues to escalate between the Hells Angels and the Outlaws and Warwickshire Police will do all within its power to protect communities from harm, including limiting opportunities for organised crime groups to fundraise and operate within the county.”

This year’s plans will be discussed at a series of meetings starting tonight at the Shipston and Stour Community Forum and Quinton and Admington Village Hall in Lower Quinton from 6:30pm.