"Don't take the law into your own hands!" That's the message from police in Rotorua investigating reports of planned retaliation for a series of assaults suffered during out of control parties early this month.
Six people were taken to hospital on Friday, November 9 following disorder in the Pretoria and King Street areas of Rotorua. Two suffered fractured skulls while a third received approximately 30 stitches to a facial wound.
Since then two youths have been charged for retaliation assaults and information has been received by police that more attacks are planned.
Inspector Ed Van Den Broek said: "Let's make one thing very clear; we will not tolerate violence of any kind. Retaliation is not justification. It is the job of the Police to enforce the law and we will not condone anyone taking the law into their own hands."
Police are also urging parents to take a proactive interest in the lives of their children; know where they are going, who they are spending time with and make sure they are taking sensible steps not to put themselves in risky situations.
There have been numerous out-of-control parties in Rotorua in recent months fuelled by alcohol. All of them are attracting large numbers of teenagers and there is some suggestion that social media sites such as Facebook are being used to distribute invitations.
"There were serious injuries suffered earlier this month and it could easily have been a lot worse. This is not about scare tactics; this is about parents not having a realistic understanding of the risks that these youngsters face when they go to these parties. Teenagers know their own mind and are striving for independence, but that doesn't mean that parents can't have a positive influence on their lives by preventing them being placed in dangerous situations," said Insp Van Den Broek.
Police want to hear about large parties and gatherings before they escalate to out-of-control and are keen to hear from anyone with information about planned disorder or retaliation. Anyone with information is asked to contact Rotorua Police on 07 349 9400. Alternatively information can be provided anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Media enquiries should be referred to Communications Manager Kim Perks on 027 234 8256