Hawke’s Bay Police provide reassurance patrols following recent gang activity
Hawke’s Bay Police are continuing to provide reassurance patrols following several public incidents of gang activity last week across the region.
As a result of this gang activity, Hawke’s Bay Police have increased visibly in impacted areas and are undertaking investigations into the offending.
Two people received gunshot wounds after two gang shootings in Napier early last week, and two further people were stabbed in Hastings on Sunday.
The most recent, on Warren St about 9.30pm on Sunday, left a man with serious injuries.
On Tuesday, police executed search warrants at two Raupunga addresses, where they seized firearms and drugs. Arrests were “imminent", police said in a statement.
Two days later, on Thursday, police conducted several search warrants at addresses in Napier as a result of the recent tension.
Following the search warrants one person was arrested on unrelated charges, enquiries are ongoing.
Hawke’s Bay Area Prevention Manager Inspector Martin James says Police take these incidents extremely seriously and the priority is the safety and wellbeing of the community.
“The increased Police presence has had a positive impact on reducing gang activity, however, we acknowledge that tension still remains.
Police will continue to be highly visible around Hawke’s Bay with a specific focus on gang activity and an emphasis in reducing and preventing the harm caused by these groups.”
