Horowhenua StarPolice have now made a total of 12 arrests in relation to a spate of gang-related offending in Levin in the past week, which has received nationwide attention.
Several incidents involving firearms have seen two people treated for gunshot wounds. Police have responded to the offending with increased policing in the area.
Levin senior sergeant Sam Gilpin says an extra 16 frontline police, rostered from nearby Palmerston North and Wellington areas, have been assigned to every day, evening and night shift around the clock.
He says the extra police will be stationed in Levin for as long as required and are assisting to identify those responsible for the offending.
Police have been able to use the recently introduced Gang Conflict Warrant, which has been in force since last Thursday, to crack down on offending, most of which is believed to be between members of the same gang.
The Gang Conflict Warrant is used to address ongoing gang-related violence and allows police to search vehicles and occupants of vehicles linked to gang members, seize firearms and weapons, and conduct searches in specified areas.
This warrant is part of the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation Act 2023, amended to include gang conflict warrants, which can be issued for 14 days before needing renewing.
In the past week police have used the warrant to execute several car searches that have uncovered six firearms, ammunition, knives, and quantities of drugs such as methamphetamine and cocaine.
Manawatū Area Commander Ross Grantham says the warrant is helping to keep the community safe.
“We also have police making ongoing enquiries into drug importation and dealing,” he says.
“We are activating the powers we have available to help prevent further harm, and to hold those responsible to account.
“Everyone in our community has a right to go about their day without fear.”
Sam says there has been a lot of public support of police, and the increased presence of police.
“Our main focus is to quell the violence, but at the same time the visible presence of police does provide reassurance,” he says.
Of the 12 people arrested in the past week in relation to the offending, six remain in police custody.
Anyone with information about recent incidents in and around Levin is urged to contact police either through the 105 services, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
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