Christchurch Police are seeking information and complaints from members of the public following the arrest today of a man on charges of aggravated robbery and kidnapping. He will appear in court this afternoon. This follows the arrest of two other men for similar offending on 1 June 2007.
The request comes following several incidents where houses suspected of being involved in drug dealing have been raided by members of the Mongrel Mob.
Detective Senior Sergeant WORMALD of the Christchurch CIB is concerned that more properties could have been subjected to robbery and extortion in the past few months.
"We suspect that the attacks are by the same group of people and that some may have gone unreported to Police. I would ask that anyone who has had their homes or businesses visited by these criminals who have been taking money, property and drugs and demanding protection money, that they contact Police and tell us what has happened."
"History tells us that this sort of behaviour just leads to more violence within the criminal underworld and we are keen to see that it doesn't escalate further".
"Often the properties attacked by this group have been occupied by women and children who have been terrorised by the people and the methods they have used during the attacks. Some have been seriously assaulted."
In light of the arrests, Detective Senior Sergeant WORMALD asks people to be vigilant within their neighbourhood and report sightings of any group that they suspect may be committing this type of offence.
"Sometimes the people who are victims of these crimes are concerned about the consequences of going to the Police," said Detective Senior Sergeant WORMALD. "In such cases, other family or people living in the area should be prepared to stand up to ensure their neighbourhood remains a safe place for them and their families to live in."
"We rely very heavily on the public to investigate this type of crime. People with information can be assured that they can speak to the Police in confidence."
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Senior Sergeant WORMALD at the Christchurch Central Police Station on 3637400.