BIKERS JUST 'LIKE TOURISTS'

Police Watching Hells Angels Arrive At Amerstburg Clubhouse

Hells Angels from across Canada have begun arriving at their
Amherstburg clubhouse -- and police anticipate the bikers will be
taking advantage of downtown Windsor nightlife.

"We kind of liken it to just about any other group of people holding
a convention," said Insp. Jerome Brannagan of Windsor police.
"They'll be here like any other tourists. Nothing unusual."

Brannagan said he and Insp. Randy Gould will be co-ordinating Windsor
police as part of a joint management group that includes all other
area police forces, OPP and the OPP Biker Enforcement Unit.

Thursday evening, Hells Angels members wearing full patches were seen
heading toward a Riverside Drive hotel after leaving their bikes at a
Pitt Street parking garage.

Brannagan acknowledged the Hells Angels' reputation, and said it's
their "usual procedure" to travel in groups.

But Brannagan said Windsor police would have similar concerns about
any other large gathering of people. "Put them and beer together, and
it could be just as problematic as anything else."

Brannagan said there will be "a strong uniformed presence" downtown,
as well as in the county, but he doesn't anticipate any road
closures. "We expect them to obey the laws -- like everyone else."

About 500 Hells Angels from across the country will gather at the
clubhouse bearing their name on Howard Avenue in Amherstburg this
weekend for an annual general meeting.

Windsor police Chief Glenn Stannard said Windsor police have been
planning for the Hells Angels for some time.

He said there will be extra officers working during the Hells Angels'
stay, but would not provide specific numbers.

"We have a plan that we've put in place for any eventualities," he
said. "We are going to work co-operatively with the leaders of the
Hells Angels and the Biker Enforcement Unit."

Mayor Eddie Francis said the extra policing costs are necessary.

"This comes at a significant cost to the City of Windsor, but there
are extra costs in doing this; you can't put a price on public
safety," said Francis.

Authorities have been aware of the Windsor event for at least a year.

The clubhouse bustled with activity on Thursday night, with vehicles
coming and going between the compound's gates -- now wrapped in black
plastic to obscure sight.

Around 8 p.m., a contingent of more than 10 bikers roared south on
Howard Avenue toward the property, closely followed by an OPP cruiser.

Earlier in the evening, a trio of men bearing patches for the
Manitoba chapter of the Hells Angels peeled out of the compound on
their motorcycles.

Pickup trucks and vans, some pulling trailers, came and went from the
property to drop off cases of beverages and stacks of sound equipment.

Other members carried a picnic table and garbage barrels into the
compound in preparation for the gathering.

'They're OK'

Meanwhile, Leandro Apolloni, who resides across the street from the
clubhouse, shrugged his shoulders. "They're OK. We say hi to each
other. It's no problem."

Apolloni, 48, said he and his sister were living in the area before
the Hells Angels set up the compound about three years ago.

According to Apolloni, there've been previous gatherings and parties
at the clubhouse, but "nothing wild or out of hand."

"These guys are always good to me. Maybe there are bad apples. But
even the cops have bad apples," Apolloni said with a grin.