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Tuesday, February 22, 2011

New Zealand - Bikies suspected of prison recruitment drive

OFF THE WIRE
NEIL REID
 stuff.co.nz
Corrections officials have banned three ''senior members'' of the notorious Rebel Motorcycle Club from visiting a Northland prison following allegations they were trying to recruit members behind bars.
Chris Lightbown, manager of the Northland Regional Corrections facility at Ngawha Springs, confirmed the ban as fears grow about the Australian bikie gang's plans to make a stronghold on this side of the Tasman.
''The visitor bans were put in place after information gathered via prisoner telephone monitoring revealed the gang members were intending to recruit new members from the prison population,'' Lightbown said.
''We know gangs take any opportunity to enhance their portfolio and ability to grow.
''In prisons they've got a captive audience. They target vulnerable individuals who can be convinced that aligning themselves with gangs will make their time in prison easier.
''We're are also aware they are recruiting out in the community.''
It is estimated that close to 30 percent of the total prison population are associated with gangs.
The Rebel Motorcycle Club are Australia's largest motorbike gang and have been linked to methamphetamine distribution, extortion and serious violence.
Lightbown said the Corrections Department was ''happy'' to support the multi-agency approach being co-ordinated by police which is targeting the Rebels.
''We are happy to support this by putting a stop to the gang recruiting prisoners,'' Lightbown said.
''At the same time the ban means we are also avoiding the potential danger of having prisoners affiliate themselves with a gang which can lead to tensions within the prison environment.
''Anything going on in our prisons that has an impact on the safety and good order of the prison environment is something we identify, focus on and stop.
''The visitor ban is another example of us taking action to ensure the safety of the public, our staff and the prisoners is maintained.''
Corrections regulations allow prisons to refuse entry to visitors if they effect the security, discipline and good order of the prison or affect the chances of successful rehabilitation.
''We have a clear vetting process and we have rules that prohibit any form of gang participation and recruitment,'' Lightbown said.