Police are launching a major blitz on youth gangs in Auckland, New Zealand

Jenny Ling:

Western area commander inspector Jim Wilson says intelligence officers have compiled dossiers on key offenders in a bid to stem a rising tide of violence.

"The public need to know the police are taking a proactive approach to this. We are not going to back down," he says.

"Anyone who thinks they're going to gather in groups, whether they are intoxicated or in possession of offensive weapons, will be dealt with and put before the courts.

"There will be no warnings."

The western area includes Mt Roskill, Sandringham, Balmoral and Hillsborough.

Mr Wilson says gang members are fuelled by drink, cannabis and methamphetamine, or P, and armed with guns, machetes and baseball bats.

In one incident a 17-year-old male student was in a drug-induced coma for weeks after being assaulted at an afterball function in Grey Lynn.

Another victim needed $22,000 of dental repairs after a beating involving a golf club.

Mr Wilson says the two main gangs, DMS and JDK, have a strong Polynesian element.

Their driving forces are territory, such as schools, and the influence of American hip hop culture.

"It's a rap culture that a lot of these young men and women - and yes, there are women involved - are attracted to.

"The way they dress and behave is in line with the LA gangster scene," he says.

"We know a lot of these young people are committing offences as a result of their drug dependencies."

Police have identified 22 members of DMS, mainly aged between 14 and 23.

They commit most offences in Mt Albert and Mt Roskill, including the Wesley Community Centre and St Lukes mall.

They drink, throw bottles at passing cars, tag buildings, intimidate residents and commit robberies.

They wear blue bandannas, caps and T-shirts like LA gang the Crips.

Police have identified 16 members of JDK.

Mr Wilson says they are mostly Tongans aged between 14 and 19.

They are based in Mt Roskill but are also active in Grey Lynn.

Police are also worried about fighting between rival Polynesian gangs on Racecourse Pde, Avondale.

Another worrying trend is the rise of Somalian gangs, particularly in Mt Roskill and Avondale.

Police sources say five or six youths are pimping out underage prostitutes in Mt Albert and Wesley.

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