More specialised police will be targeting organised bikie gangs in NSW, with the police force's Raptor Squad expanding its operations.
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NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet on Sunday launched new permanent bases for the Sydney-based squad in the state's Hunter and Illawarra regions.
An additional 30 staff of investigators, operations support group operatives and highway patrol officers will also join the Raptor Squad.
The changes would improve safety across NSW, the premier said.
"There is no place for bikie gangs in this state and today there is no place to hide," Mr Perrottet told reporters on Sunday.
"We see many bikie gangs going to the regions, to the north and to the south. Well today, they will not be able to fly under the radar."
The new regional Raptor squads will work with the Sydney unit and other agencies including the NSW Crime Commission.
Opposition Leader Chris Minns backed the Raptor expansion but wanted more detail on how the additional staff would be recruited.
"We know that NSW Police haven't been able to meet their recruitment targets," Mr Minns told reporters on Sunday.
Strike Force Raptor was established in 2009 before becoming the standalone Raptor Squad in 2021.
The command conducts proactive investigations and policing operations to dismantle organised criminal activity in the state.
Raptor officers have arrested more than 7500 people over the past 14 years, while close to 20,000 charges have been laid.
Australian Associated Press
