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Council gets tough on gang 'strut factor'
11 March 2006
By BRITTON BROUN
Wanganui officials are poised to ban all gang patches and colours in public.
An emergency Wanganui District Council meeting yesterday has produced a hardline
stance in response to tensions that flared between the Mongrel Mob and the Hells
Angels.
The council resolved to introduce a bylaw banning gang regalia in the cbd and at
the city's parks and beaches.
Mayor Michael Laws said gangs had brought intimidation into the community and
the council had to make a stand.
"We can enact a bylaw that allows people to feel safer on the streets and
removes the `strut factor' of the gangs and their intimidation of the people of
Wanganui."
Since clashes between Hells Angels and Mongrel Mob members late last month,
armed police have raided both gangs' headquarters in Wanganui and made 24
arrests.
The original intention was to ban gang regalia in the cbd, but the council
feared that would force gangs to other public places.
Police Association president Greg O'Conner, Wanganui acting area commander
Senior Sergeant Duncan MacLeod and district commander Superintendent Mark Lammas
all attended the meeting.
Mr Lammas said the bylaw was an important step in sending a message to gang
members and their associates.
There was no way to remove gangs, but such laws could help deter gang members
from committing crimes.
The bylaw will be drafted urgently and submitted to the council on March 23.
Community feedback will be sought.
