Police are set to enforce new anti-gang legislation through a nationwide initiative, Operation Nickel, as new laws targeting gang insignia in public spaces come into effect on November 21, 2024.
The operation, part of a broader effort to address gang-related intimidation and crime, is the first major enforcement step under the Gangs Act 2024.
Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham, National Controller for the operation said the display of gang symbols in public spaces will be strictly prohibited.
“When these new laws come into effect Police will actively enforce any breaches,” he stated, underscoring that authorities will not accept ignorance as a defense.
To ensure a smooth transition, Police have been in discussions with gang members and community representatives about the new legal requirements.
“Gangs are well aware that once this law comes into effect, they are not allowed to wear a gang patch in public,” Basham explained, noting that police have spoken directly to gang leaders to clarify the consequences of non-compliance.
“If we come across anyone wearing gang insignia in public, we won’t be taking the excuse of ignorance as a defence.”
Operation Nickel aligns with the Police’s priority to reduce public fear and the disruptive influence of gangs.
According to Basham, “If you wear a gang patch in public, or display a sign or symbol associated with a gang, you can expect the attention of Police either at the time of the offence, or at a time that suits Police.”
Supporting Operation Nickel, newly established Gang Disruption Units will monitor gang activity across the country, gathering evidence of criminal behavior, including breaches of the Gangs Act.
“These teams are situated nationwide and are focused on disrupting criminal gang activity,” Basham confirmed. These units will also follow up on reports of breaches and, where appropriate, execute search warrants and make arrests to confiscate gang insignia.
Basham stressed the importance of adhering to the new legislation, “Our message is simple — Parliament has passed a law, it’s our job to enforce the law, and we will be enforcing it. If you don’t want to have enforcement attention from Police, don’t breach the law.”
What about tattoos with mongrel mob on the, etc.
Lots down at the hot pools…… bit off putting TBH
What about War Veterans and their patches?
What about the internationally-recognised ‘Vietnam Veterans Mororcycle Club’; are they now criminals for serving their country????
I like seeing ‘Patched members’ as it lets me know who they are, and I’m not intimidated by them.
In fact, I observed three of them who stopped two months ago and helped an elderly couple change a tyre…
One Hells Angel who was missing a leg as a result of a war injury, and had his Harley topple at the petrol station during high winds.
Several came over to him and helped him right his bike, and there were handshakes all around.
Amazing the government intrusion into the homes without proper Warrants to seize, arrest, fine, etc. those who display gang patches in their homes.
That alone should be a warning of the continues Zionist-inspired tyranny that will only get worse, irrespective of who or what gets into political office!
Why then have many ‘Patched’ Members not been recognised for their service to the country???
How long will it be before its any insignia the globalists don’t like? Maybe a protest flag, for example. So much for freedom of expression. Like the gangs or not this is a slippery slope…..
Freedom of expression
The police will need to arrest themselves as they are a gang with patches too!
EXCELLENT OBSERVATION!
Wow, so many. I guess it has been the age of criminals yeah (Labour, greens, maori supporters). I thought there was only MM and BP.