Police pounce after kidnapping claims

Police raids across the Bay and two other police districts after two men were allegedly kidnapped has resulted in seven arrests and the recovery of thousands of dollars of stolen goods.

In a written statement, Detective Senior Sergeant Zane Smith said the raids followed an investigation after a man in his 20s alleged he was abducted from a Tauranga property on the night of Monday, February 16.

Early the following morning a second man in his 40s was allegedly abducted from a property in Rotorua, and three vehicles were stolen during the two incidents, he said.

Mr Smith said the older alleged victim managed to escape several hours later, and the younger one was released that night - both had been assaulted.

The co-ordinated police operation across three North Island districts targeted properties associated to members of the Headhunters gang.

Mr Smith said a number of search warrants were executed at addresses in Tauranga and Whakatane areas of the Bay of Plenty yesterday and other searches were carried out in Auckland central and in Waitemata police district.

Six men were arrested during the operation and a seventh man was arrested on Wednesday in a vehicle in Northland, he said.

Mr Smith said about 80 officers were involved in the co-ordinated operation, and armed offenders squad members assisted with a number of yesterday's search warrants.

Stolen property had been recovered, including vehicles and earth-moving machinery, plus a firearm.

Mr Smith said all seven men, aged between 21 and 36 years, have been charged with kidnapping, aggravated robbery and participating in an organised criminal gang.

Some of the men also face additional assault and firearms related offences.

One man from Whangarei, who appeared in Whangarei District Court yesterday, was remanded in custody, while a second man from Auckland was due to appear in Waitakere District Court yesterday.

The five remaining men - three from the Western Bay of Plenty, one from Rotorua and one from Edgecumbe - will appear in court today.

However, Bay of Plenty crime services manager Detective Inspector Tim Anderson warned anyone who chose to associate themselves with organised crime should be prepared to face the consequences.

"Organised criminal gangs across New Zealand should be left under no illusion that the police will continue to seize every opportunity to disrupt their activity," he said.

Timeline
*Mon February 16: Man alleges he was abducted from a Tauranga property
*Tues February 17: A second man was allegedly abducted from a property in Rotorua