OFF THE WIRE
Mike Dinsdale
northernadvocat.co.nz
Whangarei District Council will meet the police to explore further the possibility of banning gang patches from the central city.
In his monthly report to the council, Whangarei police area commander Inspector Paul Dimery said Northland was seen as a "cash cow" by gangs, particularly around the manufacture and distribution of methamphetamine.
Mr Dimery said it was "time to be brave and put a mark in the sand" and suggested the council could give consideration to a bylaw banning gang patches.
"I believe that the council can send out a clear message that these criminal enterprises are a scourge on our community; they are unwelcome and they contribute nothing to a healthy society," the report said.
Mr Dimery was unable to make yesterday's meeting, but his replacement, Senior Sergeant Richard Leach, went a step further, saying the council should consider a gang patch ban.
Mayor Morris Cutforth asked about the downsides of such a ban.
"It takes away the image of them walking around town," Mr Leach said.
"If they are wearing patches we can identify them walking around easily. If they remove patches they blend in like most other members of the public walking around town."
Deputy Mayor Phil Halse said the council took on board Mr Dimery's comments.
"The best way to handle this is to have a meeting with police, led by the mayor and chief executive, and bring a report back to the next [full council] meeting," Mr Halse said.
Councillor John Williams said when Wanganui wanted to introduce its bylaw to ban gang patches it had to get an Act of Parliament implemented.
"It's not just a matter of us doing a bylaw," Cr Williamson said.
The Hells Angels have challenged the Wanganui bylaw in the Supreme Court, saying it breached human rights.
The case has yet to be heard.
In his report, Mr Dimery said that in the past month members of the Australian Rebel Motorcycle Club gang had been "patching over" members of the Tribesmen gang in Whangarei.
A police operation saw six Northland men with links to the Rebels arrested in relation to drugs and firearms offences.
Mr Dimery said the introduction of the Rebels had created some tension between ownership of the "patches" and the Rebels were interested in setting up business in Whangarei.
"The council can send out a clear message to these groups by ensuring legal compliance with any premises they own," his report said.That would include any illegal fortification of any "pads" or modifications to any premises bought for a gang pad.
