Gangs are using women as young as 16 to target unsuspecting men who are then being beaten, kidnapped and robbed. Police say women are reaching out to men online who arrange to meet them. Gang members and associates then get involved. In late December, a year-old was beaten and robbed of his car, cellphone and wallet after he picked up two year-olds from a Woolston address. He had met one of them online. After driving for a short time, the teenagers asked him to pull over so they could have a cigarette.
Detective Sergeant Daniel Isherwood said two men associated with the Tribesmen gang pulled up in a vehicle. The year-old was then allegedly kicked in the head through the window, while the other man climbed into the passenger seat and punched him in the head.
He was then forced into the backseat of his car and told to sit on his hands while being driven around the city. He was taken back to his own house, where the alleged offenders took a Holden Commodore. He did not pay the money and went to the police.
Two brothers have been charged with aggravated robbery and kidnapping. Police are also investigating whether there is an online link to a brutal attack on a year-old just over three weeks ago. He was punched, kicked and stomped at his Rolleston home by gang members and associates.
His cellphone, wallet, four firearms, a Ford Falcon, a Harley Davidson motorcycle and a laptop were stolen. Police arrested Black Power gang member William Hewinson in relation to the incident, who has since pleaded guilty in the district court to charges of aggravated robbery, kidnapping, burglary and unlawful possession of firearms.
