Gang crackdown

Three gang members offered a man a lift, then allegedly threatened him, beat him up and robbed him. The trio were arrested by Nelson police this week for aggravated robbery as part of Operation Cobalt enforcement activity. Operation Cobalt is a major nationwide crackdown on organised crime and gangs with dedicated staff in 12 police districts and a special taskforce in Auckland. A police statement said three men allegedly assaulted, threatened, and robbed a man after offering him a ride in Nelson on October 23. The victim was not seriously injured, it said. On Wednesday, police searched several properties believed to be associated with those involved, and all three men were arrested. Police wanted to send a clear message to gangs that unlawful behaviour would not be tolerated, the statement said.