South Coast criminals put on notice - Police raids set to become the norm

That's the warning to any would-be criminals from South Coast Police District Crime Manager, Detective Inspector Scott Nelson.

Following investigations into a number of violent crimes and assaults in the Bay and Basin area, detectives from South Coast Police District with the assistance of the State Crime Command's Criminal Groups Squad and the South East Region Enforcement Squad, executed nine Firearms Prohibition Orders (FPOs) at homes throughout Sanctuary Point and Old Erowal Bay early Wednesday, June 10 arresting four men.

The men, aged 32, 27, and two aged 24, were arrested and charged for a variety of offences.

One of Wednesday's arrests actually took place in the Nowra CBD, with startled diners at a nearby cafe looking on as police "took down" one of the men.

"The community had better get used to these sorts of operations," Det Insp Nelson said.

"We want to make it clear this type of criminal activity won't be tolerated on the South Coast.

"We know these individuals were forming part of a group as the Hells Angels outlaw motorcycle gang.

"We will act upon this and will continue to disrupt their activities.

"I can assure the community, you will see these types of operations regularly until this group realises they can't operate in this area.

"The message is simple - to those individuals who think belonging to an outlaw motorcycle gang will make them feel connected, they can be assured the rest of the community of the South Coast won't tolerate it."

It is alleged the men have been part of serious criminal activities in the Bay and Basin area, including a number of assaults and affray matters, including an incident at the Huskisson Hotel in January and a home invasion in Basin View last month that left a man in a critical condition.

Det Insp Nelson said the community has had enough.

"People are talking to us - we know who you are and we will continue to work on you every day forward," he said.

"The community can be assured we will not tolerate this kind of behaviour in our South Coast community. We will continue to target those who choose to engage in this kind of criminal activity and rest assured they will face the full brunt of the law."

During Wednesday's raids officers located and seized a number of items including a semi-automatic hand gum, a number of home-made firearms, a substantial amount of ammunition and cash and drugs.

The men have been charged with various weapons offences, domestic violence and affray and will all face court in coming weeks.

Det Insp Nelson urged any members of the community who may have information to come forward and contact South Coast Police detectives or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333000.

Any information will be treated in strict confidence.

Read more: Crime/Court