Police throw the book at new gang chapters in Ōpōtiki

Police have charged two youth and four adults, following search warrants in Ōpōtiki on Friday.

Seven search warrants were executed by Eastern Bay of Plenty police across the Ōpōtiki area.

This activity was part of an operation targeting gang related disorder events that resulted in serious injury recently.

During the search warrants, Police focused on a core group of youth and young people alleged to be attempting to establish new chapters of gangs within Ōpōtiki.

Police made six arrests and laid numerous charges including participation in an organised criminal group. A stolen car was also recovered.

Inspector Jamie Keenleyside says this was the result of ongoing teamwork from multiple Eastern Bay of Plenty and Bay of Plenty district teams.

“We are continuing to focus on the criminal activity of gangs in the Ōpōtiki and greater Eastern Bay of Plenty area.

“We work hard to disrupt illegal gang activity and want to ensure our communities are and remain safe.

“Anyone with information on any criminal offending should report it immediately, anonymously if that suits.”

Call 111 if the offending is happening now, or for non-urgent matters contact 105, either online or over the phone, with as much information as safely possible.

You can also make non-urgent anonymous reports through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Charges

• Two youths are due in Whakatāne District Court on 26 September charged with participation in an organised criminal group, rioting, wounding/injures with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and gang insignia.
• Two men, 20 and 26, are due in Whakatāne District Court on 26 September on charges including participation in an organised criminal group and rioting.
• Two men, 24 and 26, are facing charges including participation in an organised criminal group and rioting, appearing in court at a later date.