Friday, 30 September 2011 - 11:35am |
Southern

Dunedin Police Working Proactively to Resolve Gang Issues

1 min read

Dunedin Police would like to reassure the public that they are closely scrutinising any gang activity in the city.

A number of gang members are currently on bail conditions including 24 hour curfew and police are checking these individuals on a regular basis. Any found to be breaching bail will be arrested and put before the Court.

Current conditions imposed by the Court mean that only one Black Power member is to occupy the property at Pine Hill Road, and this is being closely monitored.

The same attention is being given to Mongrel Mob members.

Emergency Response Commander, Inspector Alastair Dickie, says Police will be focussing on gang movements of individuals and vehicles and exercising powers under the Crimes Act to search and seize any weapons found. Arrests will be made in circumstances where items are located.

Police and property owners are working together to see if a relocation plan can be worked out to facilitate greater separation of the gangs in the Pine Hill area, and to lessen the profile in Pine Hill.

Proactive policing teams and community constables are working to reassure the public with personal visits to those directly affected by recent incidents, including neighbouring properties.

Police iwi liaison officers are also communicating with the gangs to encourage cooperation and further de-escalate the current situation.

"It is important to remember that the shooting incident which occurred on Sunday was a specific confrontation between the two groups of people involved. Members of the public should feel reassured that Dunedin Police are working at several different levels to reduce the tension between these two groups, and to ensure the safety of the wider community."

ENDS

Media inquiries to 027 556 1814