Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Please attribute to Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell:
Northland Police have arrested a number of gang members and associates following a series of incidents between gangs around the Kaikohe area.
The arrests come as Police continue to investigate four reported incidents, three involving firearms, around the Kaikohe area since 13 March.
At this stage Police are treating these incidents as linked, all involving members of the Tribesmen and Killer Beez gangs.
On Monday just before 2pm, a man was seriously injured after he was assaulted by a group of men on Broadway.
Just yesterday, a man suffered a gunshot injury to his leg in another incident involving members from both gangs. He was transported to hospital with moderate injuries as a result.
As a result of ongoing investigations 11 people have so far been arrested on various firearms and drug related charges.
Police have also seized 41 grams of Methamphetamine and around $1,440 cash.
Those charged are men aged between 15 and 55-years-old. All are currently before the Kaikohe District Court.
Police are taking these incidents extremely seriously and therefore cannot rule out further arrests or charges being laid.
Detective Senior Sergeant Mark Dalzell says such violence and gang tensions have no place in the community and will not be tolerated.
“Police would like to reassure our community that these incidents are not random acts of violence but involve ongoing tensions between members of these gangs.
“However, we know the community will be as appalled as Police are by the behaviour that has been exhibited in recent days.
“The attack in the main street on Monday, in broad daylight, was vicious and cowardly. The offenders have shown they have no regard for others’ safety.”
Police have increased its visibility and patrols in the Kaikohe area over recent days and these will continue.
Detective Senior Sergeant Dalzell says Police know there are people out there with information about these matters and he urges those people to do the right thing and contact Police.
They can contact 105 quoting the file number 220315/7399. Any photos or video of the incidents can also be uploaded via this link: https://flea.nzpolice.org.
Any information provided to Police will be treated in strict confidence, and information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers by phoning 0800 555 111.
ENDS.
Imogen Neale/NZ Police
