Stand against gang patches

Tuesday, 16 September 2008

CUT OUT COLOURS: Safer Communities co-ordinator Jane Cullimore, South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce manager Dave Jack and Timaru mayor Janie Annear with the stickers banning gang colours or patches on premises.

INTIMIDATING gang patches are not welcome in central Timaru and gang members will have to remove their patches and colours before entering some businesses.

Businesses can now place stickers on their front doors stating that gang patches and colours are not permitted to be worn on the premises.

Increasing gang activity in Timaru’s CBD prompted the joint initiative from Safer Communities and the South Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

‘‘To many in the community, this type of presence is intimidating and raises the fear of crime,’’ said Safer Communities co-ordinator Jane Cullimore.

She said the stickers help business owners deal with the matter in a civil manner.

‘‘It does not mean that a person is barred from the business — they are just asked that they take off their patches or colours whilst in the premises.’’

All businesses have the right to refuse entry as long as it is not seen as discrimination. The stickers are not classed as discrimination.

The Chamber of Commerce designed and paid for the printing of 100 stickers and is assisting in the distribution.

Chamber manager Dave Jack said more stickers will be printed if needed.

Timaru mayor Janie Annear said the stickers were just another tool to stamp out gang activity. Gang patches and colours were banned from the Caroline Bay carnival last year and will be once again.

Ms Cullimore said the gangs seem to have stopped trying to recruit from schools and things had quietened down for the time being..

Mrs Annear said they weren’t naive enough to think the gang problem was over and were always thinking of new initiatives.

‘‘The battle is never totally won.''