Police have made several arrests and impounded vehicles following a gang tangi in Gisborne Monday, attended by up to 400 gang members and associates.
The significant operation saw local Police supported by staff from neighbouring Districts including the Police Eagle helicopter, Tairāwhiti Area Commander Inspector Danny Kirk said.
“Our focus today was the safety of the Gisborne community and those attending the tangi. In the lead up to today’s event, Police have been engaging with the family of the deceased, and gang leaders, who have passed on the message that we would be highly visible and enforcing the law.
“It’s disappointing to see some people choosing to break the law, but that number is small compared to how many people were attending the tangi. A big part of that can be put down to the engagement we’ve had with gang leaders and the responsibility that they took for regulating the behaviour of their members.”
At least four individuals were arrested or summonsed for public display of gang insignia and will appear in court in the coming days.
One motorbike rider failed to stop twice for Police following a sustained loss of traction. The bike was recovered and has been impounded for six months. Enquiries are ongoing to identify the rider.
Another three vehicles have been impounded for 28 days, two for dangerous driving, and one for driving while suspended.
Several people were also seen leaning out of the windows of vehicles. Police are aware of their identities and will be following up with them.
“While the tangi may have finished, our work to enforce the law has not.
“Additional Police will be working through the night across Gisborne, carrying out reassurance patrols in the community and monitoring driving behaviour on our roads,” Inspector Kirk said.
Police encourage anyone who witnessed illegal or intimidating behaviour around the funeral to make a report online or call 105. Please reference the file number 250511/1622.
Information can also be provided anonymously to Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
I recently saw some extremely feral looking people driving an American muscle car. The car was what attracted my attention.i carjamed it and it was a late model car worth $90,000. Where do these people get their money?
It’s almost like the government should look at any car valued at over 60,K and see if that matches the income and lifestyle of the person who owns it. I know that sounds nanny state but there are people out there driving some very expensive cars who are on benefits. Begs the question as to how this is possible.
How judgemental! Next thing you’ll be saying that people who look happy should be sent to the psychiatrist for an assessment! Many kiwis love their cars and that is where their money goes, not on hairdressers and tickets to Taylor Swift concerts ( just saying.)* Personally, I’d be more concerned that American cars are allowed on the roads here at all because they are left hand drive ie. the steering wheel is on the left hand side of the car, which is dangerous, in my opinion. How can you judge where the centre line is if you are at the far side of the lane?
*https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/300939737/18000-to-see-taylor-swift-how-concert-tickets-got-so-expensive#:~:text=For%20Swift’s%20sold%2Dout%20shows%20at%20SoFi%20Stadium,US$800%20to%20US$11%2C000%20(NZ$18%2C000)%20each%20on%20StubHub.
$18,000.00 should buy you a reasonable vehicle: https://www.trademe.co.nz/a/motors/cars/mitsubishi/asx/listing/5313300935
Get gangs off our roads!