Yesterday, Police began actively enforcing breaches of the Gangs Act 2024.

Police have taken enforcement action in a few instances since the new legislation came into force at midnight, Assistant Commissioner Paul Basham said.

“I’m hearing from Police staff around the country that there’s been a good level of compliance and noticeably fewer patches in areas that we might typically expect to see them."

Data is being collated for the first day of enforcement. At this time, we’re reporting just a handful of arrests and seizures of patches and gang insignia, Assistant Commissioner Basham said.

Police will continue to monitor and enforce any breaches.

“Police are well placed to respond to reports of breaches, and our teams are actively working on many enquiries related to breaches that our Gang Disruption Units will be following up in the next 24 hours.”

After three months of engagement with gangs, police's focus now shifts to active enforcement and prosecution.

"While it’s early days, it’s encouraging that gang members are taking notice of the legislation and making choices that will ensure they don’t fall foul of the law," Assistant Commissioner Basham said.

“Our goal is to gain widespread compliance with the new law through certainty of enforcement in the early weeks of the Gangs Act coming into effect."

This is one of the tools Police have in enforcing the legislation and reducing the fear and intimidation caused by gangs. Our purpose is to ensure people feel safe.

Assistant Commissioner Basham said the message to gang members remains the same.

"If you wear a gang patch in public or display a sign or symbol associated with a gang, you can expect the attention of the Police, either at the time of the offence or at a time that suits us.”