Police boost as bikies arrive for city funeral

Alex de Vos
Police will increase security in Geelong today as bikies from around Australia gather for the funeral of a Bandidos gang member gunned down in the city last week.
Police yesterday advised motorists to expect “minor traffic delays” around Breakwater, Grovedale and East Geelong.
“Police are advising motorists the funeral procession will take the following route…(through) Leather and Tucker streets, Breakwater, Settlement, Fellmongers, Pioneer and Boundary roads and the Surf Coast Highway,” a police spokesperson said.
“Motorists may wish to organise alternative routes to avoid any inconvenience. However, police are confident any disruptions will be minimal.”
Torquay’s Ross Brand, 51, died after a drive-by shooting outside Geelong’s Bandidos headquarters last week.
Homicide Squad Detective Inspector Steve Clark said police were still investigating the death this week.
Another man, aged 34, suffered gunshot wounds in the attack outside the Breakwater clubhouse.
Det Insp Clark confirmed last week that Mr Brand was part of the Bandidos club but refused to speculate whether the attack was connected to his membership.
“It’s still too early to say,” Det Insp Clark said.
“We’re investigating all the possibilities but it does appear to be a targeted shooting.”
Det Insp Clark refused to comment on whether the attack was part of an ongoing turf war between the Bandidos and rival bikie gang the Rebels, who have a headquarters in northern Geelong.
“We’re keeping an open mind and will be interviewing a whole range of people to help us with the investigation,” he said.
Det Insp Clark said Mr Brand had a criminal history including convictions for violence and possession of firearms and other weapons.
Det Insp Clark said police were examining footage from a surveillance camera outside the clubhouse.
He refused to speculate on whether the incident would spark a revenge attack or lead to further shootings.