Police Crack Down on New Gang Chapters in Ōpōtiki

Police have charged six people, including two youths, after a series of search warrants targeting attempts to establish new gang chapters in Ōpōtiki.

Eastern Bay of Plenty Police executed seven search warrants across the Ōpōtiki area last week, as part of an operation into gang-related disorder that recently resulted in serious injury.

The warrants focused on a core group of youth and young people allegedly trying to set up new gang chapters in the town. Six arrests were made, and a stolen car was recovered.

Inspector Jamie Keenleyside said the operation was the result of ongoing teamwork across multiple Eastern Bay of Plenty and wider Bay of Plenty district teams.

"We are continuing to focus on the criminal activity of gangs in the Ōpōtiki and greater Eastern Bay of Plenty area," he said.

"We work hard to disrupt illegal gang activity and want to ensure our communities are and remain safe."

Two youths appeared in Whakatāne District Court on Saturday 26 September, charged with participation in an organised criminal group, rioting, wounding with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and a gang insignia offence.

Two men, aged 20 and 26, also appeared in the District Court on Saturday, facing charges including participation in an organised criminal group and rioting.

A further two men, aged 24 and 26, face similar charges and will appear in court at a later date.

Police are urging anyone with information about gang-related offending to come forward, with the option to report anonymously.

Emergencies should be reported to 111. Non-urgent matters can be reported to Police on 105, online or by phone, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.