GANG PATCH BAN 'SUCCESS'

Lin Ferguson | 30th July 2010

Tough police tactics and the gang patch bylaw have combined to rid Wanganui of many of its patched-up gang troublemakers.

Whanganui area commander Inspector Duncan MacLeod said yesterday there had been  about a 15 per cent drop in the number of serious patched gang members living in Wanganui.

Mr MacLeod said it had become a success story all round for the community and the police.

Within the first nine months of the bylaw, there were 13 prosecutions for wearing gang insignia. Since October last year, there had been an average of one prosecution a month.

Most relate to T-shirts - there has been just one case involving full regalia, on the first day the bylaw was enacted.

The 15 per cent drop in gang members living in Wanganui was mostly due to many of the senior gang members from the town being locked up in jail, Mr MacLeod said.

"And there are those who have left town with their families and moved to places like  Horowhenua, Kapiti, Hawke's Bay, Marton and South Taranaki."

Nearly 18 months of smart and effective policing in Wanganui by a special gang policing unit had produced really good results. Wanganui's anti-gang policies were really working, he said.

"We supported Mayor Michael Laws with his anti-gang patch bylaw and it has meant that, together with strong policing, we're making a difference here in Wanganui."

Mr MacLeod said the tough policing and the gang patch bylaw had meant:

• An overt gang presence being less noticeable by the general public.
• A reduction in levels of intimidation for the community.
• A reduction in confrontation between gangs.

 An example of moving senior gang members out of Wanganui was the two men committed to trial after a depositions hearing a week ago, he said.

"One is now in custody and the other man was bailed to an out-of-town address - a very good result."

The police report on the gang presence falling away in Wanganui has been welcomed by Mayor Michael Laws and he said yesterday he was very tempted to say "I told you so".

"And I probably will. This official police report backs up the anecdotal evidence that we are gathering at the council."

The bylaw had given police a power that allowed them to target gangs and gang associates more effectively, he said.

"Gangs are starting to vacate our city - that's a brilliant result." 

Senior Sergeant Dave Kirby said:  "I have had people from the community telling me the city feels safer and they have noticed gangs are not around as much now."