Police must deal with teen crime epidemic - MP

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New Zealand First wants the police to break up gangs and impose curfews to deal with what it says is an epidemic of violence by teenage thugs.

The party's law and order spokesman, Ron Mark, said today the attacks on two young couples in Auckland was clear evidence of the problem.

Four young men accused of aggravated robbery appeared in North Shore District Court yesterday and were remanded in custody.

Mr Mark said the force and frequency of violent offending by teenagers had increased and was worrying youth justice agencies.

"There are now large numbers of teenage gang members roaming the streets of the main centres and there is a subculture of violence and criminal offending," he said.

"These teenagers are thriving on a diet of alcohol and drugs and their main entertainment is playing violent video games before they head on to the streets looking for trouble."

Mr Mark said the police should be "given the all clear" to break up the gangs, impose curfews where and when they were necessary and give the streets back to ordinary New Zealanders.

- NZPA