Four Mongrel Mob members have been arrested following a spate of gang-related violence in Hawke’s Bay last week. Police executed multiple search warrants in Napier and Hastings after assaults on Riverbend Road and Omahu Road left two men seriously injured, RNZ reported.
A Gang Conflict Warrant was extended to the region, giving officers authority to search suspected gang members’ vehicles and seize weapons. Inspector Dean Clifford said the past 24 hours had been “busy” for police.
RNZ quoted, “Officers executed two search warrants and used the Gang Conflict Warrant on four occasions across Napier and Hastings, resulting in the arrest of four Mongrel Mob members,” Clifford said.
The arrested men face charges including possession of methamphetamine, possession of an offensive weapon, and receiving stolen property. They are expected to appear in the Hastings District Court in the coming days.
Clifford confirmed inquiries into the two assaults are ongoing, with police maintaining an active presence in the area. “The action overnight was part of our response to recent gang violence in Hawke’s Bay and reinforces our message that we won’t be letting up,” he said, reported RNZ.
According to RNZ, the Police are also engaging with gang leaders in efforts to reduce tensions. “Members of our communities have a right to feel safe and be safe,” Clifford added. “We will continue to have extra staff and a visible presence across the region while this is resolved.”
Napier deputy mayor Annette Brosnan said she trusted police to do what was necessary to restore safety, but also urged gang leaders to take responsibility.
“We need to find a way where we are not pitting young people against each other, particularly in gangs where they have access to deadly weapons,” Brosnan said. “Gang leadership must step up to reduce harm and redirect our young people back towards community and whānau, rather than the violent crime we are seeing emerge,” RNZ reported.
Both victims of the assaults are continuing their recovery. Police say the warrants executed have opened up new lines of inquiry, which they are actively pursuing.