More tools for Police to tackle gangs and intimidating behaviour

New targeted warrant and additional search and seizure powers, a new offence, and new items added to list of high value goods prohibited for sale for cash aim to disrupt organised crime.

Police Minister Chris Hipkins and Justice Minister Kiri Allan unveiled on 13 July a package of measures to help reduce the harm caused by gangs and make communities safer. These include:

• New targeted warrant and additional search powers to find and seize weapons from gang members during a gang conflict

• Expanding the range of offences where police can seize and impound cars, motorbikes and other vehicles

• Up to five years prison for a new offence of discharging a gun with intent to intimidate

• Police and other enforcement agencies able to seize cash over $10,000 when found in suspicious circumstances

• Watches, jewellery, precious metals and stones, motor vehicles and boats added to list of high value goods prohibited for sale for cash over a specified value

• Work to strengthen sector-wide approach to address youth crime and reduce offending

“Recent brazen gang activities have been totally unacceptable and our communities deserve better,” Chris Hipkins said.

“Police asked for legislative changes that will give them more tools to crack down on violent offending and other criminal activities. We have listened, and will introduce a package of changes that target this activity as an omnibus Amendment Bill as soon as possible.

These measures follow $562 million for law and order in this year’s Budget, work targeting and removing unlawful firearms off the streets, actually progressing firearm prohibition orders, and investment in 1,800 more police and hundreds more officers focused on serious and organised crime.

“We want to hit gangs and other offenders where it hurts – by taking their guns, cars and motorbikes and making it harder to launder money – while also responding to increasing incidents of intimidation and violence on our roads and streets and in our homes,” Chris Hipkins said.

The announcement also mentioned work underway across a range of government agencies to address the drivers of crime, including youth crime. “We know people don’t become gang members overnight, and that the causes are complex and often intergenerational,” Kiri Allan said.

“The changes we are introducing today are targeted interventions that will give New Zealanders confidence that Police have the required powers to tackle gang behaviours that make people feel unsafe, and that they are proportionate.

We will continue to ensure we are upping the ante on intervention and prevention measures that are focused on steering young people away from a life with organised criminal groups.

I will be looking closely at the youth justice system in particular to see how we can make changes that will improve both the lives of at-risk young people and public safety over the long term.