Police monitoring gang tension in Rotorua

ROCESSION: Gang tensions erupted in Whakatane when Mongrel Mob members carried the body of a member through the town to the Whakatane Crematorium. PHOTO/BEACON BTG 18Jan1

Rotorua police are on a heightened alert following the gang tensions in Whakatane but say so far none of the tension appears to have spilled over into local chapters of the gangs.

Four Rotorua police staff remain in Whakatane after gang tensions in the town escalated and shots were fired at a Mongrel Mob funeral procession on Tuesday.

Acting Rotorua police area commander Inspector Steve Bullock said he was not aware of any knock-on affects in Rotorua.

"As I understand it the current situation is localised to Whakatane at this time."

However, Mr Bullock said they were monitoring the situation "and obviously our alert levels have increased".

Mr Bullock said while police weren't aware of any simmering tensions, gangs these days tried to operate under the radar and weren't as overt as they once were.

He said generally police only saw the top end such as the incident which happened in Whakatane.

"We will welcome any information of any activity."

Seven Rotorua police staff went to Whakatane on Tuesday, and four were still there today. Those numbers did not include armed offender squad staff which were a district-wide resource, he said.

Meanwhile police are asking anyone who had film recordings of the gang funeral procession to come forward.

Acting Eastern Bay of Plenty area commander Senior Sergeant Richard Miller said police wanted to speak with anyone who had recordings of the procession which travelled from Kawerau to Whakatane on Tuesday afternoon.

Police inquiries are continuing after shots were fired about 2.15pm Tuesday near the corner of Valley and Arawa Rds.

He said the gang members involved in the motorcade moved on from the crematorium without incident on Tuesday evening.

Mr Miller said police were speaking to a number of people but no charges had been laid.

A 21-year-old man, affiliated with the Out Back Blacks gang, has been charged with possession of an offensive weapon and is due to appear in the Whakatane District Court on January 24.

Anyone with information is encouraged contact Whakatane police on (07) 308 5255.

Alternatively, if people wish to remain anonymous they contact Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

Police believe there are no ongoing concerns following this incident.