A Christchurch criminologist thinks police are jumping the gun by claiming responsibility for running the Rebels Motorcycle Gang out of their Vagues Road gang-pad.

The Rebels have been the subject of numerous search warrants over the last few months, during which a number or firearms and drug offences were identified.

Police say their Northcote head quarters have now been shut down as a result of good enforcement and community help.

But University of Canterbury criminologist Greg Newbold said the Rebels could have left for any reason.

"Nobody is talking to the Rebels to find out why they moved."

"The Police are claiming it's because they ran them out of town, but you don't really know. The Rebels might have just decided to set up shop somewhere else, where they can live in more peace or it's more lucrative for them."

Newbold suspects the gang will be back sooner rather than later.

"I don't think it's any big deal, it's not going to stop the Rebels acting, it just means they've moved somewhere else because they're getting too much heat where they are."