Gang scene quiet, delicate — police

Press, 29 November 1978, Page 1

Gang scene quiet, delicate — police

Peaceful but delicate is how the police described the gang situation in Christchurch yesterday. At a special news conference Superintendent J. F. Glynn said the gangs had welcomed police intervention after the recent flare-up of violence. The situation was under control and the public need have no fears about safety. The police called the conference “to avoid any undue public alarm” after the shooting of a Black Power gang member at the Epitaph Riders’ headquarters on Saturday and the seizing of arms and arrests at the headquarters of both

gangs on Sunday and Monday. The weapons seized included Molotov cocktails, chains, and rifles. Mr Glynn said there were five main gangs in Christchurch. The recent conflict involved mainly the Black Power gang and the Epitaph Riders. Fie could not say what the reason for the tension was but a “tit for tat” system existed. There was no evidence of racial overtones. “Generally speaking most of the local gangs get on quite well together and in fact most are lawabiding,” said Mr Glynn. "At the same time, like many non-gang members.

too manv ’jump over the traces’ and get involved in disorderly incidents if given half a cnance. “There has been some significant needling between two gangs. A few violent incidents did erupt but the police are dealing effectively with these.” No more incidents occurred yesterday, as the police continued their “peace talks” with the gangs. Detectives also continued to investigate the shooting of the Black Power gang member, who was still in Christchurch Hospital last evening. He was reported to be in a satisfactory condition.