Preventing Organised Crime Originating from Outlaw Motorcycle Clubs

• In Event: Organized Crime, Prevention and Protection

Abstract

This paper will discuss how a holistic model of crime prevention can be applied to crime originating from outlaw motorcycle clubs. These clubs are examples of how an oppositional subculture can develop in the direction of providing a basis for criminal activities, and in many cases, for organised crime. However, the extent to which these clubs are criminal organisations in the strict sense of the term is highly disputed. The degree to which the clubs are involved in organised crime also varies greatly. In some countries these outlaw MC clubs nevertheless constitutes major crime problems in terms of armed conflicts, shoot-outs and bombings in public spaces and heavy involvement in various criminal activities. The police in different countries and police precincts have varied considerably in the ways they have dealt with these outlaw MC clubs and the criminal activities associated with them. Some police forces have mainly applied a repressive criminal justice approach whereas others have put more emphasis on dialogue, prevention and harm reduction. This article will argue for a comprehensive approach combining “soft” and “hard” measures, based on a holistic model of crime prevention. Such a holistic approach reduces the need to rely on repressive approaches alone.

Author

• Tore Bjørgo, Center for Research on Extremism, University of Oslo