Levin residents can expect to see a significant Police presence in the area following a series of firearms incidents.

Additional officers have been deployed across Horowhenua to conduct patrols and support the dedicated staff already investigating recent gang-related offending.

Manawatu Area Commander Inspector Ross Grantham says those responsible for the offending are on notice, with a Gang Conflict Warrant now in place.

“Our tactical patrols will be focused on enforcing the warrant, which enables them to search for, and seize, weapons in cars and locations where gang conflict is occurring.

“There have been four firearms incidents in as many days – neither Police nor the community will tolerate such reckless violence.

“We want to assure the people of Levin that we are utilising the powers we have available to help prevent further harm, and to hold those responsible to account.

“We’ll also have officers regularly patrolling public and retail spaces to help provide some reassurance and improve feelings of safety.

“We believe those involved are from the same gang and are therefore known to one another, so while that doesn’t generally present a risk to the wider community, it does create very real concern.

“Everyone in our community has a right to go about their day without fear.

“If you have any information, for the good of our community, please come forward before more people are hurt,” he says.

Anyone with any information that can assist the investigation to please make a report online [1], or call 105.

Please use the following reference number:

• P063544224 for the Bartholomew Road shooting • P063528842 for the Hinemoa Street shooting • P063530513 for the Mabel Street shooting.

Alternatively, information can also be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.

© Scoop Media