Nelson gang eyes Hells Angels status?
BY BILL MOORE
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New Zealand's Hells Angels might be small in numbers but are large in gang influence and the feeder Red Devils gang could be their Nelson advance party, says a national police intelligence specialist.
Police raided the headquarters of the Red Devils in Nelson on Saturday night, broke up what they said was an illegal party, made a number of arrests for liquor and drug offences and seized alcohol, fridges, laptops, documents, suspected illegal drugs and more than $12,500.
Detective Senior Sergeant Geoff Scott, of the Police National Intelligence Centre in Wellington, said although there were only about 30 patched members of the Hells Angels nationally, with chapters in Auckland and Whanganui, "the issue they present is their international standing".
"They are one of the most significant gangs internationally and New Zealand has a significant international standing, because New Zealand was the first place to have a chapter outside America. It was the fourth ever chapter in the world, and they're coming up for their 50th anniversary next year."
Mr Scott said the numbers were misleading because as well as the patched members there were long-term associates, "prospects" hoping to join, and a number of ex-members, some from the defunct Hastings chapter, who were still closely aligned with the gang.
"They are well established, very influential throughout the New Zealand gang scene, particularly with outlaw motorcycle gangs."
He said it "wouldn't be an unreasonable inference" to suggest that the few patched Nelson Red Devils – so far the only Red Devils chapter in New Zealand – would be out to prove themselves to the parent gang.
"If you look at it internationally, a Hells Angels chapter tends to start up this way. As opposed to immediately patching straight up, they have to establish themselves before they become a Hells Angels chapter."
Police headquarters was "watching with interest" to see what developed in Nelson, Mr Scott said.
The Hells Angels have 230 chapters in 27 countries.
According to the website gangscene.co.nz, run by ex-policeman Cam Stokes, the gang has shown strong interest in the Nelson area for many years and the arrival of the Red Devils is a clear sign the Hells Angels intend to establish a chapter here.
The website says the Red Devils have chapters in Australia, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Brazil, Chile, Germany, Italy, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Singapore, South Africa, Sweden, Turkey and the United States.
The New Zealand Red Devils patch features with the patches of those countries on the German Red Devils website. Nelson police say the gang is a front for organised crime, and won't be tolerated.
- © Fairfax NZ News
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Do you people really think that the police will protect you from the enemy, or from evil? The enemy is not a Hells Angel with his 666 tatoo the real enemy is a sheep a savior that will betray you because you are weak and you listen to his lies. Th police are agents of this evil in time they will lead you to your death starting with small segments of the population that question their authority.
All gangs are scumb bag halfwits, we all know this, nobody wants them around. Arm the police with everthing needed to sort the gang problem out, NZ is small enough to deal completly to these retards.
Emile.I personally would be very surprised if you could give us all just one positive contribution the hells angels or red devils could give to the Nelson area.Please enlighten.
warwick: you are a tosser get a life
The propoganda and fear mongering that's happening is all a bit much don't you think? Hey, If a teacher does a dirty on a student are all teachers dirty? or a Christian who smokes weed does this make all Christians dope smokers?..and you will all be saying but both are legal entities performing legal activities...as so my point. Crime or organised crime does not ride a Harley and does not wear a patch..! The actions of an individual are the actions of the individual not the group. Simple! You'll be surprised at what a bikers club, it's members and associates could offer the Nelson area in a positive way! I'l trust a someone who wears a patch rather then someone who doesn't.
It may mean The Nelson Police will have to work for their money and face the reality...The real world beckons and it's time to catch up with the rest of the nation rather being this lil old retirement village.
Better than some other gangs that could of came to Nelson that expect there prospects to commit random acts of violence. Like it or not, and as the article points out, gangs are all over the world. New Zealand has plenty. Better the devil ya know.
Get over yourself Warwick your starting to sound like Max who somehow says what he likes (threatened to shot people & burn down local hotels and motels) on National radio and our super sharp crime fighters never found out who he was. And I believe people like you are just the type McGurk would like to recruit into the local police force, but I'd be thinking there is already a connection.
I agree with Warwick - scumbags like this are not wanted within our community. If we can rally against poker machines in Victory Square we can rally against dirtbag's like this. Failure to do so will result in increased crime fueled by the P they sell. Name and shame them and run them out of town.
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there are less bikers in jail in nz and australia then there are police officers, religious priests , businessmen and non bikers yet no one is saying ban police or religion or business . you just see what you cant be (free) and your jealious . we ride our harleys and have great parties and do as we please . warwick is a dumb s**t , please dont talk to us at work or social events dont want to hear your bs anyway . 81 forever