Country cops suspected of tip-offs

Andrew Rule, Associate Editor for the Herald Sun investigates improper activities of Police with bikie gangs in Victoria

VICTORIA Police internal "spy catchers" are set to investigate officers suspected of corrupt or improper relationships with outlaw motorcycle gangs in the Goulburn Valley.

But any moves by the anti-corruption Taskforce Eagle will not come as a surprise to likely targets.

Sources believe the taskforce plans to question at least one detective, other police and civilians over claims that local motorcycle gang members have been secretly tipped off about planned raids.

A former policeman has told the Herald Sun of suspicions over at least eight search warrants for properties linked to a bikie gang.

In each case, it appeared that weapons, drugs or other incriminating material had been removed from the premises before the police arrived with their search warrants. In one case, several mature cannabis plants vanished overnight.

It is believed most of the premises were linked to The Outlaws Motorcycle Club.

The Outlaws have two chapters in the Goulburn Valley - one in Shepparton and one in nearby Kyabram.

Members of both groups are regulars at a raunchy strip venue, named Club Rawhide, in an industrial estate that's walking distance from Shepparton police station and two popular hotels.

It is believed angry police found hidden electronic "bugs" in one regional station this week, after a heated confrontation between officers over rumours of the impending internal investigation.

The Outlaws Motorcycle Club's Shepparton chapter.

The search for the "bugs" was sparked by leaked information about likely targets of the taskforce's inquiries.

Investigators are probing friendships between serving officers and disreputable people. One potential line of inquiry is that a police officer who has taken leave still has access to local police facilities.

Investigators are believed to be checking reports the officer has worried colleagues because of the officer's relationship with a local man recently charged with aggravated burglary and drug offences.

The Herald Sun does not suggest the officer has committed any offence.

Some police are concerned about the background of the officer's latest partner, whose father was expelled from the force and jailed for long-term corruption.

Since Taskforce Eagle was launched last month, investigators have arrested a serving officer for allegedly leaking documents to the Hells Angels. Victoria Police could not comment specifically on events in the Goulburn Valley.

"Through Taskforce Eagle, investigations into associations between police and OMCGs (outlaw motorcycle groups) are continuing," spokesman Charles Morton said.

Members of The Outlaws are regulars of local strip venue, Club Rawhide.

"We have a number of avenues of inquiry ... at this time."

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Police probe suspected murder-suicide

POLICE believe a man killed his mother before ending his own life in a suspected murder-suicide on the Gold Coast on Friday.

The body of 53-year-old Margaret Pakatyilla was found in the boot of a car outside her home in Ashmore about 8.30am on April 12 after a relative discovered her son Mark, 28, dead inside the Hillview Pde property.

Police this morning released a statement that said preliminary investigations suggested the death of Mrs Pakatyilla was suspicious however the death of her son was non-suspicious.

A police spokesman could not comment on how the pair died, but said detectives were preparing a report for the State Coroner.

“It’s an ongoing process. Investigations are continuing,” he said.

Anyone with information has been urged to contact the police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

For help, call Lifeline on 131 114 or Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636.

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Reward to solve suspected murder

A reward has been issued for missing Malmsbury woman Patricia Ann Gay. Picture: Police Media Source: Supplied

POLICE are offering a $100,000 reward to help solve the suspected murder of a 55-year-old woman from central Victoria.

Patricia Ann Gay disappeared 12 months ago from her property in the small town of Malmsbury about 100km northwest of Melbourne.

Detectives said the disappearance was "suspicious" and are offering the reward in the belief that people in the area know what happened

Ms Gay was wearing pyjamas when she was last seen by her daughter about 10.30pm on Sunday, March 11 at her Malmsbury property.

She was reported missing the next morning.

Ms Gay was being treated for a number of medical conditions and needed at least one type of drug "virtually constantly".

Homicide Detective Inspector Michael Roberts said the reward was offered for information which led to a conviction.

"A number of stages of the investigation caused us to believe that (she has been murdered)," Det Insp Roberts said.

He said Ms Gay had only lived in Malmsbury "for weeks" after moving from Broadmeadows.

"As far as the circumstances surrounding her disappearance go, it might have been to do with medication, we’re not 100 per cent sure at this stage," he said.

"There was medication and some personal belongings that were left behind. As a result of some inquiries that were done, the situation became a lot more suspicious.

"She needed that medication, virtually constantly. So to leave it behind is suspicious in itself and some of the other items of a personal nature that she left behind also gave rise to some suspicion with investigators, in line with a number of other things they’ve followed up.

"I don't want to go into these details because it will affect the outcome of the investigation."

Det Insp Roberts said her five children and large extended family were today holding a memorial – on the one year anniversary of her disappearance.

"Her family are struggling. Someone would have seen or heard something. No matter how small the information, we urge them to come forward," he said.

Ms Gay is 152cm tall, about 70kg, with short brown hair, a fair complexion and blue eyes.

Anyone with information about her disappearance is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers.com.au

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