Abstract
This article proceeds in three main parts First, it provides an account of a moral panic that unfolded during a short period in the Australian state of New South Wales over warring motorbike or bikie gangs Second it sketches a recent history of laws in New South Wales that have expanded police powers including anti bikie gang laws The article shows how policing and crime control has become politicised since 9/11 and accordingly the extension of police powers has entailed the blurring of the functions of police and security services This in turn raises serious concerns about civil liberties and the rule of law Third the article interprets the events surrounding the bikie gang wars using classic and more recent moral panic theory as well as ideas around the new penology The article concludes by considering the utility of applying the concept of moral panic to the bikie case
