HALIFAX — The Mounties say prolific growth in the presence of Outlaw Motorcycle Gangs in the Halifax area is behind their request for more front-line officers.

RCMP Insp. Robert Doyle says motorcycle gangs including the Gate Keepers, Sedition, Bacchus and the Hells Angels have set up shop in areas between Musquodoboit Harbour and Fall River in recent years.

Doyle says it’s clear the gangs want to gain a foothold in the capital district and he says police are determined to ensure that doesn’t occur.

A funding request presented to the Police Board of Commissioners in Halifax says the RCMP is requesting six new constable positions to be stationed in areas such as Tantallon, Cole Harbour, and Lower Sackville.

The request cites a number of other reasons more officers are needed, including the region’s residential and commercial growth over the last decade, enforcement related to the upcoming legalization of cannabis, and an increase in mental health calls and cybercrime investigations.

Police board member Waye Mason, the municipality’s deputy mayor, says a staff report on the request has been ordered.

The Canadian Press