Security tools to help Police tackle gangs and intimidating behaviours
Government has recently unveiled a package of measures and security tools to help reduce the harm caused by gangs and make communities safer. These include:
- new targeted warrant and additional search powers to find and seize weapons from gang members during a gang conflict
- Expanding the range of offences where police can seize and impound cars, motorbikes and other vehicles
- Up to five years prison for a new offence of discharging a gun with intent to intimidate
- Police and other enforcement agencies able to seize cash over $10,000 when found in suspicious circumstances
- Watches, jewellery, precious metals and stones, motor vehicles and boats added to list of high value goods prohibited for sale for cash over a specified value
- Work to strengthen sector-wide approach to address youth crime and reduce offending
In his former role as Police Minister Chris Hipkins said “recent brazen gang activities have been totally unacceptable and our communities deserve better”. “We want to hit gangs and other offenders where it hurts – by taking their guns, cars and motorbikes and making it harder to launder money”.
These legislative changes will help give the police more security tools to crack down on violent offending and other criminal activities.
The announcement also mentioned work was underway across a range of government agencies to address the drivers of crime, including youth crime. “We know people don’t become gang members overnight, and that the causes are complex and often inter-generational” says Kiri Allen the Justice Minister.
“The changes are introducing targeted interventions that will give New Zealander’s the confidence that Police have the required powers / security tools to tackle gang behaviours that make people feel unsafe”.
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