Police won't need a search warrant to inspect cars or houses. Photo: RNZ / REECE BAKER
Levin will see a tripling of police numbers this week, after four gang shootings in three days.
A Gang Conflict Warrant has been put in place for Ōtaki, Shannon, Foxton and Levin.
Manawatū area commander Inspector Ross Grantham told Morning Report the fact they had used the gang conflict warrant showed police's concern.
"It is a strong piece of legislation and we use it sagely."
Grantham said that officers' worry was that a member of the public or a family member could get caught up in the behaviour if it continued.
He said some police officers will be able to carry guns, which also conveyed the level of concern they had.
He had "put the word out" to the leaders of the two gangs in the area to see if the matter could be sorted out.
"We've done it with success in the past, so yes I am very hopeful."
He said normally search warrants would be needed for individual cars or addresses.
"This warrant allows us to stop vehicles which we believe, on reasonable grounds, have links to the groups involved, so we can stop them and we can search them."
Grantham said extra officers were coming from around the central district - Taranaki, Whanganui, Ruapehu and Palmerston North - tripling the number of officers patrolling the streets and investigating the crimes.
About 11.20am Monday, a man turned up to a Liverpool Street healthcare centre with a gunshot wound to his thigh. He was taken to Palmerston North Hospital in a serious condition.
Then, about 8.55pm Monday, police were called, after a firearm was discharged from a vehicle on Hinemoa Street, hitting a house. Grantham said no occupants were injured, but they and neighbours were shaken.
Shortly after 6am Tuesday, five shots were heard on Mabel Street and police found a shed that appeared to have been shot.
At 12pm Wednesday, a person was found on Bartholomew Road with serious injuries from a gunshot wound and was taken to hospital.
While the conflict appeared to be between members of the same gang, Grantham was concerned the public or gang member's families could be caught in the crossfire.
The Mongrel Mob and the Nomads both had a presence in Horowhenua, he said.
Horowhenua District Mayor Bernie Wanden told RNZ he understood the shootings were linked and gang related, involving the disgruntled member of one gang.
"From what I understand, [it's] an internal gang-related issue, where someone is not happy with whatever is going on within their organisation."
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