Watch: Police say gang violence ‘will not be tolerated’
A younger cohort of gang members unable to be controlled by the older hierarchy could be to blame for rising tensions between rival gangs in Hawke’s Bay, police say.
But the unpredictable nature of the situation means police are unable to guarantee no further incidents will occur.
Watch tody's pres conference with Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura and Detective Inspector Rob Jones.
"I don't think we can give a reassurance about anything involving people who are unpredictable, undisciplined and who don't respect authority in any way," Eastern District Commander Superintendent Tania Kura said.
The revelations by Kura come after two separate clashes between Mongrel Mob and Black Power members in Ruatoria and Taradale, with both incidents involving firearms.
Police responded to McClutchie Road, Ruatoria, at 9.20am on Saturday following reports of shots fired between the occupants of two vehicles and a person at a residential address.
The second incident occurred on Gloucester Street in Taradale, Napier on Sunday around 1.15pm.
A firearm was discharged during a fight involving 30 to 40 Black Power and Mongrel Mob members.
Two people, one from each incident have been arrested, with more likely.
Speaking to media at the Hastings District Police Station today, Kura said: “Gang violence in our community is not acceptable and will not be tolerated”.
“I want to reassure you that police treat these matters seriously and the safety and wellbeing of our community is a priority.
“We are determined to hold those responsible accountable for their actions and we are grateful for the support of our community.”
Kura said the incidents were “well-beyond” the police and required a multi-agency approach, including members of the community. A gang-focus unit set up in the region was also not the “silver bullet” to the problem, she said.
Detective Inspector Rob Jones said there had been at least a 30 to 35 per cent increase in gang numbers in the past few years.
“With the increase in sizes, there seems to be an increasing incidence of the young ones perhaps not having the same level of respect for their elders within those gangs, he said.
Since the events over the weekend, police and senior gang members have been in almost hourly communication. Detective Inspector Jones said their immediate appeal to them has been for calm and common sense to be applied.
“That isn’t always easy but senior leaders of both gangs have indicated a willingness to at least have a dialogue with police.”
Two “sizeable” investigations are currently underway and “progressing well”, with police actively following lines of enquiry, Jones said.
“We are working through CCTV footage from the Taradale incident on Sunday in an effort to understand the events that led up to the incident and identify offenders and other people of interest to the investigation.”
A 25-year-old man received injuries to his head, face and torso from a single gunshot on Sunday and has since been discharged from Hawke’s Bay Hospital. He will appear before the Hastings District Court tomorrow on charges relating to the incident.
Police are appealing to the public for help in both cases and information can be provided by calling 105 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
