Beef up police powers to tackle gangs

The eruption of violence like that in Wairoa will continue until the Government gives police stronger powers to deal with gangs, says National's Police spokesman, Tony Ryall. "Taneatua, South Auckland, Christchurch, Highbury, Wairoa.

The places may change, but the problem stays the same. "Police must be given powers to ban the wearing of gang colours, more staff are needed to aggressively police these areas and tougher criminal non-association laws are a must," says Mr Ryall.

"National also wants the Proceeds of Crime Act revamped to give police tougher powers to combat the drug dealing gangs.

"We want to make convicted drug dealers and gangs show ALL their property has been acquired through legal means, or they lose it," says Mr Ryall.

"Ordinary New Zealanders are fed up to the back teeth with intimidating, aggressive gangs and the control they have over the illegal drug industry in this country.

"Yet the Government sits back and allows gang violence to escalate.

"National knows that gangs are a major cause of crime in this country. Our gang laws are far too soft, leaving many New Zealanders to fall victim to this violence," says Mr Ryall.

© Scoop Media