Zero tolerance for warring gangs

PARTICULARLY NASTY: Inspector Al Symonds with some of the weapons police say were used in Kaikohe's gang confrontation, including a chain, a tyre lever, screwdrivers and a "particularly nasty knife."

A total of 13 people have been arrested in a major police operation sparked by a confrontation between rival gangs at a Kaikohe service station on Saturday May 9.

The mid-afternoon incident, which was witnessed by a large number of people, including families with small children, attracted a swift police response, and a warning that such behaviour will not be tolerated.

More than 30 police from all over Northland searched a dozen homes in Kaikohe on Thursday, making eight arrests and seizing weapons, thousands of dollars in cash, methamphetamine and a vehicle.

Those arrested were charged with rioting, participating in an organised criminal group and possession of offensive weapons.

Detective Senior Sergeant Rhys Johnston said five more arrests were made on Friday on the same charges, with two more people still sought.

Those who appeared in the Kaikohe District Court on Friday, and were remanded in custody, were Skip Issachar James Eruera (28, Horeke), Levi Reeves (24, Kaikohe), Grace Tyrone Rangimarie Brack (31, Kaikohe), and Milan Barry Ngamu (40, Kaikohe). The charges against Brack include using a motor vehicle as a weapon.

Four alleged offenders will be dealt with by the Youth Court.

The clash, between members of the Tribesmen and the Bloods gangs, lasted about 12 minutes, ending when courageous Kaikohe residents intervened to separate the groups. The entire incident was captured clearly on CCTV.

Inspector Al Symonds (Whangarei) said the operation sent a strong message to "thugs and bullies" all over Northland.

"Enough is enough. We, and the good people of Kaikohe, won't tolerate this sort of thuggish behaviour," he said.

"If you do this sort of stuff in public, we will identify you, we will hunt you down, and we will hold you accountable. The people of Kaikohe deserve a lot better than this."

Seventeen Tribesmen and a smaller number of Bloods had been involved, he added, and given the weapons used there had been "real potential for someone to end up dead."

The children of some of those arrested had been placed with responsible family members or in CYF care.

"We never like to separate families, but we just can't tolerate this sort of behaviour in a public place with these weapons involved," Inspector Symonds said.

It was the biggest police operation in the Mid-North so far this year, but it wouldn't be the last.

"We'll come back if we need to," he said.

Meanwhile anyone with information about gangs, drug dealing or other crime was urged to call the police or the anonymous Crimestoppers line, 0800 555-111, Inspector Symonds saying the best way to combat organised crime was to cut off offenders' income from drugs and violence.