Gang tensions flare into stand off

Photo / Daily Post

Gang hostilities between the Filthy Few and the Greasy Dogs have erupted in Tauranga, culminating in a street stand-off with weapons including softball bats, hammers and a shovel.

Police were alerted to rising tensions when members of the Filthy Few motorcycle gang got into a confrontation in Matapihi with a member of the Greasy Dogs - a Welcome Bay-based Maori gang.

Three hours later, at 3pm on Saturday, the Greasy Dogs retaliated by arriving in numbers at the Filthy Few's headquarters in Birch Ave, Judea, where a stand-off took place on the street.

Western Bay of Plenty police area commander Inspector Mike Clement said 13 gang members were arrested after the Birch Ave stand-off, where weapons including softball bats, hammers and a shovel were allegedly brandished.

A further 12 Filthy Few members were arrested after police searched their gang pad later in the day.

All 25 arrested were charged with unlawful assembly.

Witnesses to the stand-off flooded police with phone calls and 40 officers swooped to stop members of the Greasy Dogs from leaving the area.

Six people received superficial injuries in the Birch Ave stand-off, although police said it was possible more might have been injured.

Firearms were not used at Birch Ave or Matapihi.

Mr Clement said gang violence and intimidation would not be tolerated in Tauranga and he warned members of the two gangs to solve their differences without using violence.

He said there was nothing to indicate the dispute was the result of a drugs turf war.

Police investigations were continuing and Mr Clement did not rule out further charges being laid.

During the search of the Filthy Few headquarters on Saturday, bullets were uncovered.

Mr Clement said it was not a coincidence that the Filthy Few rode into Matapihi.

"I think they went there for a purpose. It was not a Saturday ride."

While there was no suggestion the Filthy Few were heading to a specific address, when they encountered the Greasy Dogs member an "altercation" occurred at 11.30am.

- APN