Close to 300 people and their cars and motorbikes, descended on Te Wairoa Marae in Bethlehem this morning for an unveiling of a mate, who died tragically last year.
This and the police operation that accompanied it, caused major traffic delays throughout the area. SunLive readers have reported traffic was backed up as far as Omokoroa.
Traffic backed up past Photos: supplied
Locals said the roundabout near the Bethlehem Birthing Centre was closed and that police had a huge presence there as well as near the Wairoa Bridge. Access to the local supermarket was nearly impossible.
Bay of Plenty police took the opportunity to conduct a road policing operation in the Bethlehem area because of the large gathering of Outlaw Motorcycle Gang members expected.
'Police understand the OMCG's were in the area to attend a memorial service.
'Historically, gang rides have caused public concern with members riding en masse.
'Rides like this intimidate other motorists and are a deliberate and provocative breach of traffic laws.
'They are also inclined to endanger members of the public, ignoring road safety rules, with complaints of dangerous driving, driving with the wrong class of licence and driving under the influence of alcohol and drugs,” says senior sergeant Denis Murphy, who was in charge of the operation.
As a result of the operation, he says, there were some delays to motorists in the area and whilst Police acknowledge that the delays were unfortunate they make no apology for policing gangs.
Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy, said 'We will be monitoring their movements with a particular focus on road safety and on ensuring our communities are not harmed or intimidated.”
He said "The stench of methamphetamine and crime wafts along behind gang members, and Police encourage anyone who sees or hears anything about drug use or dealing to let us know.”
Information can also be provided anonymously to the organisation Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
18 comments
MC
Posted on 16-04-2016 11:34 | By compton
This will be to do with the amount of patched members riding around at the moment doing a memorial run. My garage got burgled on Thursday and the police still haven't bothered to show up, too busy they say.....
Great notice
Posted on 16-04-2016 12:23 | By freedomkiwis
Would certainly have helped if they'd given some notice of their big operation, so people could stay home or go somewhere else.
Backed Up
Posted on 16-04-2016 13:05 | By Merlin
Traffic was backed up to Snodgrass Road and took half an hour to get to Bethlehem.Motorbikes passing on the inside of the traffic queue.
Mayhem at Bethlehem
Posted on 16-04-2016 13:20 | By algail
This a graphic example of how the stupidity of the Mall egress and entrancing system can affect traffic even without a police operation. Alastair
Ah, excuse me ...
Posted on 16-04-2016 16:59 | By Murray.Guy
Hmmmm
Posted on 16-04-2016 17:36 | By How about this view!
Stupid comments! Particularly from one writer who wants to be mayor. I applaud the police each and every time they confront professional criminal gangs. Every one of us squeal like stuck pigs when we are confronted by the predatory Sub-human actions of these thugs and yet some jump to their defence if it cause them some MINOR inconvenience. I say stop them all as often and as publicly as you like, you wonderful police officers. I detest ALL gang activities and wish them and their families nothing but misery and harassment.
OPERATION INCONVENIENCE
Posted on 16-04-2016 17:40 | By Margot Rose
What a senseless waste of time trying to get from Katikati into town this morning. Surely there was a better way to conduct such an "operation". Traffic was absolutely gridlocked - such an inconvenience for busy Saturday morning travellers with places to go. Anyway, what were they looking for?? I agree with you Murray Guy. That's why you'll get my vote for councillor/mayor!
Road toll
Posted on 16-04-2016 19:08 | By In Reality
With that many cops attending the the policy operation, and road toll as high as ever, I have no confidence in the police, nor in the stupid speed system on the Kaimais. Have a break in and see how long it takes for one cop to show. 4ks over they're up your data
Civil Rights?
Posted on 16-04-2016 23:53 | By Conzar
How is it legal for police to detain 'only' motorcycle riders and NOT other auto-mobiles? There is ZERO probable cause in this case. Is NZ becoming NAZI Germany - papers please?
Scum
Posted on 17-04-2016 07:19 | By peecee09
These lawbreaking thugs are unwelcome here and we should run them out of our city. At 11 pm Sat night they roared their way around Mt Maunganui deliberately disturbing and intimidating the locals.They are criminals , get out of our town you scum.
good public relations ?
Posted on 17-04-2016 08:48 | By ow
"whilst Police acknowledge that the delays were unfortunate they make no apology "- Maybe a focus on keeping the rest of the traffic moving should be included in their next operation ?
Mayhem at Betjlehem
Posted on 17-04-2016 09:21 | By Rayna Stephens
There would have no mayhem if police had allowed all the biking traffic thru to attend an unveiling. Not an offence to arrive en masse I would have thought when paying a tribute to a mate. RES
To how about this view
Posted on 17-04-2016 10:39 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
From old person BE VERY CAREFUL OF WHAT YOU WISH FOR,it does not work believe me,
agree with
Posted on 17-04-2016 10:52 | By The author of this comment has been removed.
Margot Rose, Conzar and By in Reality, you are all exactly right, they may be in a gang but hey some have good jobs, coming to a memorial service, ITS their rights to attend,(NOW)what about when that cop died in shooting in hastings 100s of cops attended this and dogs to funeral,NO DIFFERENCE,cops dont pay for fuel and drive cars, gangs ride bikes are cheaper to run and pay for fuel, SO now we have 2 GANGS,one different to the other,So to stop thing about this anymore im going to sit on me log, (its a bit wet so will sit on cardboard and have a tipple with wahine while Nightmare is Grazing with a lot of deer this morning Sunday,bit hazey today from the ridge but having a puff on the good stuff and a tipple will make me sleep good tonite,Thankyou SUNLIVE ARE AWESOME, 10-4out
Mayhem in Bethlehem.
Posted on 17-04-2016 16:08 | By Wildsilver
Police operations are serious business; so was Saturday's one in Bethlehem different? It's 10.6km from Omokoroa and 1.9km of double lane from Tauranga, totalling 14.4km of jammed traffic, with 150 vehicles/km and an average 2 occupants. That equals 4320 people/hour. Factor in build up, peak and clearance variables and it's likely 10,000 road users were directly impacted. Also businesses, professionals, appointments, kids sports etc. Senior Sergeant Denis Murphy says ''delays were unfortunate.....no apology for policing gangs''. Knowing now that the mayhem was neither accident nor crime scene, but a gang related intimidation operation, I say to SS Murphy, your operation came across as ill considered and disproportionately heavy handed for the wider community. I look forward to hearing how many infringements were issued resulting in convictions that justified the overall cost and impact of your operation on the community. The public as collateral damage? Seems about right.
Murray Guy has it right
Posted on 17-04-2016 20:35 | By The Caveman
These bikers (not bikies) are in Tauranga for a reason. Do you really think that that 200 of them will turn up pissed or rotten on weed or P etc, etc? When they know that the PLOD will their in their dozens trying to
Actually, why stop!!
Posted on 17-04-2016 20:46 | By The Caveman
That "police" operation was clearly a "fishing trip" on Saturday morning.. The PLOD had NO reason to stop 200 bikers. AND at the same time inconvenience 1000
Conzar
Posted on 21-04-2016 11:43 | By Kenworthlogger
The police can pull over whoever they wish. Including you. People that have nothing to hide dont mind.. What are you hiding?
Leave a Comment
You must be logged in to make a comment.