Gang vows to battle police to retain fence

A battle is brewing between Hamilton police and the Outcasts gang, but it will be fought in court, with police trying to tear down the gang's fence, which has stood for more than 20 years.

Police filed an application in the Hamilton District Court last August seeking a removal order for the fortified fence at 110 to 112 Norton Rd.

The argument has gone back and forward on paper through the court, but a hearing at which police and the gang will give evidence is expected this year.

Police have made the application under the Local Government Act 2002. If they are successful the decision could give rise to further applications nationwide, forcing gangs to tear down the walls that shield them from prying eyes.

It is the first time police have fought to tear down a gang fence since Christchurch police took action against Highway 61 in 1999, ripping down their fence, or an Environment Court ruling in 1997 which saw the Highway 61 headquarters at Otaki dismantled.

In 2003, Te Awamutu police discussed trying to get the Outcasts' fence torn down in that town, after noise complaints and alleged assaults on two policewomen who visited the headquarters in response to noise complaints.

Te Awamutu police and the Waipa District Council planned to fight through the Environment Court to get the fence pulled down, but that case is on hold pending the outcome of the Hamilton case.

Hamilton police say they cannot comment because the case is before the courts, but the Outcasts say they will fight the bid every step of the way.

They have already removed barbed wire on top of their brown fence, which they say is no higher than one that rings the Frankton saleyards across the road.

Police have raided the Norton Rd headquarters many times, but neighbours say they have never had a problem with the gang.

"We've probably had fewer problems with burglaries and graffiti then other areas," said John Coombridge, who owns Coombridge and Alexander, a farm machinery manufacturing business sited next door to the gang for 25 years.