A Gang Conflict Warrant has been extended to cover the entire Manawatū area, as Police broaden their focus on dangerous gang activity.
It follows several firearms incidents in Levin, which led to the initial Gang Conflict Warrant being issued on 21 August, and two separate events in Palmerston North on Sunday and Monday morning this week, where Police were shot at while trying to stop suspicious vehicles.
Superintendent Dion Bennett, Central District Commander, said Police applied to the district court on Monday, asking it to broaden the coverage of the Gang Conflict Warrant that had been issued for Levin. The application was granted the same day.
“We’re still working to establish what, if any, links there are between the Palmerston North and Levin incidents, but it appears the message hasn’t sunk in for the gangs yet.
“No police officer expects to come to work and be shot at as part of their daily routine, and our communities don’t want this stupidly reckless behaviour either.”
Gang Conflict Warrants are temporary orders that broaden Police’s power under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act, giving Police special powers to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles of suspected gang members, and to seize firearms and weapons, and vehicles.
The Nomads and Mongrel Mob are the focus of the Police operation, with tensions between both gangs and gang members.
“By extending the footprint of the warrant, we’re able to reach gang members across the district, including those who left Levin since 21 August to avoid the attention,” Superintendent Bennett said.
The warrant extends to from Levin to Feilding, across to Dannevirke, and south to Eketāhuna.
“We remain open to mediating between these gangs, but their actions are a risk to the community, a risk to our Police, and we’re not going to sit idly by while this dangerous activity plays out.”
ENDS
Issued by the Police Media Centre