Yesterday, police impounded several motorbikes, seized vehicle plates and issued around 100 infringement notices in an operation in Auckland's Mount Wellington.
Police checking motorcycles in Mount Wellington Photo: Supplied / NZ Police
Police had set up checkpoints to monitor an event, reportedly a Head Hunters gang anniversary celebration.
Sociologist and gang expert Jarrod Gilbert said gangs have been causing considerable community concern so people can expect to see more such police operations.
"No one is saying that gang members or anyone else can't congregate or ride together but in recent times the behaviour has gone beyond what the community finds acceptable so police will be doing a number of these operations just to bring that balance back, and I think that's quite appropriate," he said.
Gilbert however said if police efforts to reduce anti-social gang activity are targeted at a particular gang, it could result in gangs self-policing to avoid police attention.
Yesterday, Area Commander for East Auckland Inspector Jim Wilson said police had received multiple reports regarding the ride from the public.
"Gang activity of this nature is unsettling for motorists, and it is unacceptable for groups to conduct themselves in a way that intimidates the community," he said in a statement.
Police said they will continue to monitor group bike rides and offending on roads will be investigated.
