As stated by Detective Senior Sergeant Rob Huys, Whangārei Area Investigations Manager:
Northland Police have made several arrests, executed search warrants and recovered stolen property as part of an intensive focus on ram raids, and youth-related offending in the Whangārei area.
The focus comes as Operation Cobalt commences in Northland.
To date 10 people, the majority with CRIPS gang associations, have been arrested on 32 charges including burglary, unlawful possession of ammunition and demanding with intent to rob.
A further five people have been referred to Youth Aid in relation to commercial burglaries and dishonesty-related offences.
Police have also executed five search warrants, resulting in the recovery of stolen clothing, jewellery, and a jet ski worth approximately $30,000 which was recovered as its owner was in the process of reporting it stolen.
As a result of enquiries, three other people have been arrested for their involvement in unrelated burglaries at residential developments.
The investigative focus is ongoing, and Police can't rule out further charges being laid.
Police continue to step up enforcement and the disruption of unlawful gang activity across the country as Operation Cobalt rolls out.
Our message to those involved is clear - we have zero tolerance for any violence, gang, and drug activities.
Police are working hard to ensure we keep our communities safe, and we will continue to actively target those involved in criminal activity.
We rely on the public and whanau to be our eyes and ears, and Police ask anyone who sees any suspicious activity to report it to us, as it helps make Northland a safer place to live.
We continue to encourage people to report online at 105.police.govt.nz, call Police on 105, or report anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.
If it is happening now, please call 111.
