Police have arrested six people, including two youths, following a series of search warrants in Ōpōtiki.

The warrants were aimed at disrupting alleged gang activity and attempts to establish new gang chapters in the town, police said.

Seven search warrants were executed across the Ōpōtiki area on Friday as part of an operation linked to recent gang-related disorder incidents that resulted in serious injuries.

Police say the operation focused on a core group of youths and young adults alleged to have been attempting to establish new gang chapters within the community.

The warrants resulted in the arrest of two youths and four adult men. Officers also recovered a stolen vehicle and laid numerous charges, including participation in an organised criminal group.

Eastern Bay of Plenty area prevention manager Inspector Jamie Keenleyside said the arrests were the result of ongoing work by police across the Eastern Bay of Plenty and wider district.

“We are continuing to focus on the criminal activity of gangs in the Ōpōtiki and greater Eastern Bay of Plenty area,” Keenleyside said.

“We work hard to disrupt illegal gang activity and want to ensure our communities are and remain safe.”

He urged anyone with information about criminal offending to come forward.

“Anyone with information on any criminal offending should report it immediately, anonymously if that suits.”

Two youths appeared in Whakatāne District Court on Saturday charged with participation in an organised criminal group, rioting, wounding or injuring with intent to cause grievous bodily harm, and gang insignia offences.

Two men, aged 20 and 26, are also due to appear in Whakatāne District Court charged with participation in an organised criminal group and rioting.

Another two men, aged 24 and 26, are facing similar charges and are scheduled to appear in court at a later date.

Police have encouraged members of the public to call 111 if offending is occurring at the time, contact 105 for non-urgent matters, or provide anonymous information through Crime Stoppers on 0800 555 111.