Two people have been arrested as police ramp up their response to gang tensions in Ōpōtiki.
On Friday, police said two people had been arrested this week for offending involving guns.
Police said officers were notified that a person had shot a gun at a property in the Bay of Plenty town on Monday. A 29-year-old man was taken into custody on Tuesday and charged with unlawful possession of a firearm and recklessly discharging a firearm.
Then, on Friday morning, a 27-year-old man was taken into custody following a report of a robbery where a gun was allegedly pointed at another person. He is charged with assault with intent to rob involving a firearm and unlawful possession of a firearm.
The first man is due to reappear on January 25, 2024, in Ōpōtiki District Court and the second man is due to appear today in the Whakatāne District Court.
Police said they hope that these arrests in conjunction with other recent arrests in the area, reassure the community that this behaviour will not be tolerated by Police.
It is not known whether the two offenders have links to gangs, however, last month, police were granted a special warrant to crack down on gangs in Ōpōtiki. Police were issued a warrant under the Criminal Activity Intervention Legislation (CAIL) Act 2023 which gives them special search powers during times of gang conflict.
It was issued after a woman was shot in what police said appears to be linked to ongoing conflict and tension between Black Power and Mongrel Mob.
"We will continue to take all necessary measures to stamp out offending involving firearms and hold offenders to account," a police spokesperson said.
"Police encourage members of the public to share information on anyone illegally possessing firearms and weapons with Police."
Information can be shared anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
