The number of known patched and prospective gang members in the Wellington region has nearly doubled in four years
The number of known patched and prospective gang members in the Wellington region has nearly doubled in four years
8 December 2020
The increase is revealed in police data obtained under the Official Information Act.
In October, there were 827 people in the Wellington Police District on the National Gang List.
That's up from 449 in October 2016.
Crimes where a gang member has been identified as the offender have also increased, from 495 in 2016 to 812 this year.
Wellington District commander superintendent Corrie Parnell says gang membership is generally increasing around New Zealand, not just in Wellington.
He says that's being driven by socio-economic factors, health and educational issues, pressure from others, and drugs.
© 2024 Newstalk ZB, NZCity
