Nike Bikies

OUTLAW bikies are using the CBD's King St strip clubs as a sleazy playground, with senior police saying the gang members are drawn to the venues like "bears to honey".

Detectives revealed they were aware of members from one bikie group who regularly attended a particular strip club and that associates of a rival gang operated as bouncers at another.

Police from Taskforce Echo - a dedicated team set up last year to investigate outlaw motorcycle gangs (OMCG) - said the security company's contract was not renewed by club owners.

The Sunday Herald Sun can also reveal the boss of one security firm, a boxing trainer and friend of underworld figure Mick Gatto, who supplied staff to strip clubs in King St, was jailed for gun possession last year.

Detective Supt Doug Fryer said he was well aware of the bikie connection in King St, but said the notorious area was under constant police surveillance and any illegal activity would immediately be stamped out.

"Many OMCGs are heavily involved in serious and organised crime. But it has been thoroughly investigated and there is no evidence that any members or associates are currently involved in the management, ownership or licensing of any strip club in King St," he said.

"What we do know is that strip clubs are very popular and bikies are attracted to them like bears to honey.

"We are fully aware that members from one gang attend a particular club. They do not wear colours or go there en masse, or even go there every week - but we know when they are there," Supt Fryer said.

"Clubs face a significant risk of losing their liquor licence if they are found to have those associations, and that would lose them a lot of money.

"We continue to investigate OMCGs, their associates, any contacts and any unexplained wealth will be assessed."

Bikies are also linked with strip clubs through the supply of girls, of which they take a cut of their pay, and can have close ties to bouncers through gym networks.

Supt Fryer also said: "The face of bikies today has changed. Many are no longer the heavily tattooed, bearded types. Now many are body-conscious, taking steroids and pumping iron in the gyms, which some own. We call them 'Nike Bikies'.":Text may be subject to copyright.This blog does not claim copyright to any such text. Copyright remains with the original copyright holder

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