Police push for gang patch ban in Whangarei

Australian Rebels Motorcycle Club may be interested in setting up business in Whangarei. Photo / Supplied

The Whangarei District Council will meet police to explore banning gang patches from the central city.

Whangarei police area commander Inspector Paul Dimery says Northland is seen as a "cash cow" by gangs, particularly through the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.

In his monthly report to the council, Mr Dimery said it was "time to be brave and put a mark in the sand", and suggested the council look at a bylaw banning gang patches.

"I believe that the council can send out a clear message that these criminal enterprises are a scourge on our community; they are unwelcome and they contribute nothing to a healthy society," the report said.

Mr Dimery was unable to make Wednesday's meeting, but his replacement, Senior Sergeant Richard Leach, went a step further, saying the council should consider a gang patch ban.

Mayor Morris Cutforth asked about the downsides of such a ban.

"It takes away the image of them walking around town," Mr Leach said.

"If they are wearing patches we can identify them walking around easily. If they remove patches they blend in like most other members of the public walking around town."

Deputy Mayor Phil Halse said the council took on board Mr Dimery's comments.

"The best way to handle this is to have a meeting with police, led by the mayor and chief executive, and bring a report back to the next [full council] meeting," Mr Halse said.

Councillor John Williams said when Wanganui wanted to introduce its bylaw to ban gang patches it had to get an act of Parliament implemented.

The Hells Angels have challenged the Wanganui bylaw in the Supreme Court, saying it breaches human rights. The case has yet to be heard.

In his report, Mr Dimery said that in the past month members of the Australian Rebels Motorcycle Club gang had been "patching over" members of the Tribesmen in Whangarei.

A police operation saw six Northland men with links to the Rebels arrested in relation to drugs and firearms offences.

Mr Dimery said the Rebels were interested in setting up business in Whangarei.

"The council can send out a clear message to these groups by ensuring legal compliance with any premises they own," his report said.

That would include any illegal fortification of gang "pads".

- APN