Police say six people have been arrested during an ongoing investigation into a spate of gang-related shootings in Levin earlier this month.
Police upped their presence in the region, following what they described as “brainless violence” that left the community shaken.
Speaking from Palmerston North today, Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett told Breakfast the investigation remained ongoing.
“However, since Thursday last week, we’ve had a Gang Conflict Warrant in place and it’s enabled us to quell some of the tensions both intra and inter-gang.
“I can say that since last Thursday we’ve made six arrests, recovered five firearms from cars during those vehicle stops, half a dozen knives and a collection of ammunition,” he said.
Several previous acts of violence have been linked to internal gang conflict which escalated into multiple shootings.
Bennett said the community was “quite rightly” feeling anxious following the violent incidents.
Central District Commander Superintendent Dion Bennett said extra officers were on patrol following after several firearm-related incidents this month. (Source: Breakfast)
“But my message to them is we have additional police in town. The investigation is progressing well, and we have seen in the last two nights a reduction in movement from our gang members through Levin.
“Which is an indicator that we are getting on top of the situation quickly,” he said.
Bennett reiterated that extra officers would stay in the area “as long as it takes to resolve this incident and give our investigators the opportunity to identify those responsible for the shootings”.
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“It’s important to reassure our community. It’s important to acknowledge that in this time of uncertainty, that the police are there and that we will do all we can to hold those accountable.”
He urged anyone with information to contact police on 105, or anonymously through Crime Stoppers.