Our plan to tackle gang crime

Known members of gangs comprise just 0.1 per cent of the adult population, but in 2013 were responsible for 25 per cent of homicide-related charges.

In the first quarter of 2014, this group have been charged with 34 per cent of class A/B drug offences, 36 per cent of kidnapping and abduction offences, and 25 per cent of aggravated robberies.

That’s why, if re-elected on 20 September, National will implement a new action plan to tackle gang crime. Our whole of Government action plan on tackling gangs will:
• Introduce a Gang Intelligence Centre led by Police to support investigation, prevention, and enforcement; identify vulnerable children and family members who may need social support; and identify young people at risk of joining gangs to help steer them toward a better path.
• Introduce a Start at Home programme to address intergenerational gang membership, stop young people joining gangs, and help members get out of gangs.
• Establish taskforces to target drug trafficking networks and strengthen asset recovery to target the profits of crime.
• Strengthen legislation to allow for better monitoring a high-risk gang affiliates and prevent them from associating with other gang members.

We’ll also review other legislation around firearm prohibition orders, freezing of assets, and unexplained wealth laws.

Though over the last four years recorded crimes have fallen 20 per cent to a 35 year low, gangs are still causing too much harm in our communities.

National will take action to tackle and prevent gang crime to reduce the harm it causes to families and communities. See more on our website here.

ENDS

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