Windsor police, along with the Ontario Provincial Police, are preparing for a planned gathering of outlaw motorcycle gang members and associates in Windsor-Essex this week.
According to Windsor police, the event is scheduled for July 16 to 19 and is expected to attract more than 750 people linked to the Hells Angels and other outlaw motorcycle gangs from across Ontario and other parts of Canada.
The police service says the community can expect an increased and visible police presence during this time as officers monitor activities and respond to public safety concerns.
Windsor police say at this time, they are not aware of any specific threats to the community; however, officers will continue to take a proactive approach throughout the event to maintain safety and minimize disruption.
Police say motorists may experience temporary traffic delays or increased congestion in some areas.
Anyone who witnesses suspicious, dangerous, or criminal activity is asked to call Windsor police.
Meantime, the chair of the Windsor Region Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association, Dharmesh Patel says the OPP recently reached out to the association letting them know about the motorcycle gathering.
Patel says the association let its members know that police were inquiring about group bookings.
“They were expecting a huge influx of bikers this weekend in the Windsor region approximately 750 to 1,200 and just to let our members know to be on look out and that if we see any increases in groups just to let them know,” says Patel. “Just so they can have presence in the area for the safety of both the guests and the staff.
He says one hotel in the downtown Windsor area reached out after being informed by the association.
