Source: New Zealand Police
Police were out in numbers Wednesday night mitigating a gang gathering in the Rotorua area, as well as making a number of great arrests on unrelated matters.
A large group of gang members began gathering in Rotorua on Wednesday, but they weren’t Police’s only focus of the night, officers made seven arrests unrelated to the gathering, summonsed one person to court, and impounded a vehicle.
Officers will continue to have a visible presence in Rotorua today as the gang moves on through to Ōpōtiki.
A 30-year-old man was arrested for possession of methamphetamine, utensils for use, a firearm, and an offensive weapon, following a call to Police reporting suspicious behaviour on Aquarius Drive. He is due to reappear in Rotorua District Court on 27 March.
In a separate incident, around 9pm, Police saw a vehicle traveling in the Western Heights area that had been reported stolen the day before. When signalled to stop, the driver attempted to flee, Police pursued the vehicle, and it was spiked before coming to a stop on Harrold Crescent. Two youth were arrested.
A further three people were located and arrested on warrants to arrest, another was arrested for breach of conditions, and a final person had their vehicle impounded and has been summonsed to court for driving while disqualified.
Inspector Tristan Murray says just because there are officers in the area focused on ensuring there are no issues with the gang gathering, doesn’t mean any other matters or offending will fly under the radar.
“Police remain focused on the safety of the community, and we will continue to work hard to disrupt all illegal activity and hold offenders to account, whether it’s gang members or otherwise” he says.
Anyone who is witnessing illegal behaviour is urged to call 111 immediately. Any reports after the fact can be done through 105 with as much information as possible, either online or over the phone.
Information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
