Mayor condemns gang attack
NEWS RELEASE
from Hutt City Council
12 February
2009
Mayor condemns gang attack
Hutt City Mayor David Ogden today described the terrorising of a mother and her two young children by members of the Mongrel Mob in Farmer Crescent as shocking.
“What has happened to this family is truly appalling and my heart goes out to them. No one should be subject to this sort of violence and intimidation, especially in their own home.
“The behaviour of the gang towards the family, the residents and the Police is completely unacceptable. It’s clear they have no regard for the rights of others or for the laws of the land.
“This incident highlights the need for the Government to get tough on gangs. I welcome their plans to toughen the laws and I have written to the Justice Minister expressing my support for the changes.
“I want to praise the Police for acting swiftly and making a number of arrests. My hope is that the courts deal harshly with those responsible for the offences.
“There are significant problems in this area and I will continue to meet the Police, Housing New Zealand and other agencies, as well as community representatives to discuss what else can be done.
“The many invisible strengths of our community are dented by this appalling incident,” Mayor Ogden said.
ENDS