Officers have found and seized four guns and one knife over the past couple of days. Photo: RNZ
Police have seized several weapons as they try to tackle an increase in gang violence in Levin.
Officers have found and seized four guns and one knife over the past couple of days.
It comes after a Gang Conflict Warrant was put in place for Ōtaki, Shannon, Foxton and Levin after four gang shootings in three days.
Extra officers were brought in from around the central district - Taranaki, Whanganui, Ruapehu and Palmerston North - tripling the number of officers patrolling the streets and investigating the crimes.
Manawatū Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham said the warrant was already helping to keep the community safe.
He said police stopped and searched a vehicle on Thursday and found a gun. Officers then found another gun in the vehicle-owner's home.
Another vehicle was stopped on Friday and officers found two guns inside. Later that day, another vehicle was stopped where police found a large knife.
"We are activating the powers we have available to help prevent further harm, and to hold those responsible to account," Grantham said.
"Everyone in our community has a right to go about their day without fear."
Four gang shootings in three days
Levin has seen a tripling of police numbers this week, after four gang shootings in three days.
On Monday morning, about 11.20am, a man turned up to a healthcare centre on Liverpool Street with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was taken to Palmerston North hospital in a serious condition.
Then, about 8.55pm on Monday, police were called after a firearm was discharged from a vehicle on Hinemoa Street, hitting a house. Grantham said no occupants were injured, but they and neighbours were shaken.
Shortly after 6am on Tuesday five shots were heard on Mabel Street, and police found a shed that appeared to have been shot at.
And on Wednesday, a person was found on Bartholomew Road at 12pm with serious injuries from a gunshot wound. The person was taken to hospital.
While the conflict appeared to be between members of the same gang, Grantham was concerned the public or gang member's families could be caught in the crossfire.
The Mongrel Mob and the Nomads both had a presence in Horowhenua, he said.
Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden told RNZ he understood the shootings were linked and gang related, involving the disgruntled member of one gang.
"From what I understand, [it's] an internal gang-related issue, where someone is not happy with whatever is going on within their organisation."
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