New Zealand - Outlaw gang patches say Whangarei police

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Police say gang patches should be banned in Whangarei to send a clear message that gangs are unwanted.
It is time to be brave and put a mark in the sand, Whangarei Kaipara area commander inspector Paul Dimery says in a report to the Whangarei District Council.
He says the council could consider a bylaw banning gang patches, ensure legal compliance with any premise that they own, and take steps against the illegal fortification of gang pads.
Mr Dimery says gangs are organised criminals who have banded together to offend and Northland is seen as a cash cow, particularly for making and selling methamphetamine.
Senior sergeant Richard Leach, the acting area commander, says the council should think about banning gang patches.
"It's working very effectively down in Whanganui," he says.
He believes such a bylaw would give police more powers to control gangs and reduce intimidation.
"Banning gang patches sends a clear message that they're not going to be tolerated."
Mr Leach says the only drawback to such a bylaw would be the ability to identify gang members.
"Once you ban the gang patches they just blend in like any other member of the public. We've got some gangs that are highly organised and sophisticated."
The council says it will consider the bylaw, with deputy Phil Halse arranging a meeting between Mr Dimery and senior council officials to look at the issue in more detail.
The Wanganui bylaw banning gang patches required an act of Parliament before it could be enforced.
The Hells Angels have challenged the Wanganui bylaw in the Supreme Court, saying it breaches human rights. The case is yet to be heard.
But Mr Dimery says the council can send out a clear message that gangs are criminal enterprises which are a "scourge" on the community.
Members of the Australian Rebel Motorcycle Club are trying to set up a chapter in Northland, creating tension between the ownership of patches, he says.
Three senior members of the Rebel Motorcycle Club have been banned from visiting Northland Regional Corrections Facility near Kaikohe for attempting to recruit members.
"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," prison manager Chris Lightbown says.
The club is Australia's largest outlaw motorbike gang and has been linked to methamphetamine distribution and extortion.
There is currently a multi-agency approach co-ordinated by the police to stop the gang becoming established in New Zealand.