Hells Angels clubhouse seizure supported in Kelowna

People living near the Hells Angels clubhouse in Kelowna say, while they wouldn't be sadto see the bikerheadquarters shut down, the clubhouse does provide some security for the neighbourhood.

The B.C. government has filed legal papers toseize theKelowna clubhouse along with another in East Vancouver.

Their lawsuit claims members of the motorcycle club use the buildings to organize crimes, including drug trafficking and murder.

Leslie Alvo, who lives down the street from the Kelowna clubhouse, says while she's never felt threatened, she'd be happy if it were shut down.

"I'm happy they're seizing the place," she said.

"I think there is no place in Kelowna for the Hells Angels, obviously. I think most of us would prefer they weren't here."

Clubhouse provides somesecurity

Other neighbours said the people who live at the clubhouse generally keep a low profile, but in the summer the bikers have loud parties and motorcycles clog the street outside.

Still, neighbour Elizabeth Cook, says a strange sense of security comes with having a Hells Angels clubhouse down the street.

"You don't necessarily wanna go knock on their door, become their friends," she said.

"But you don't feel threatened and maybe a little safer that there is not going to be anyone coming around here to break into houses because they are going to be a little bit nervous about the clubhouse and who's in there."

The motorcycle club has owned the Kelowna property for more than a decade.

This summer RCMPraided the clubhouse and charged eight peoplefor allegedly running a marijuana and cocaine operation with links to Panama and Mexico.