The Police Commissioner says they are tackling gang violence from many angles - including the seizing of assets. 

Recent incidents in Ruatoria and Taradale - including a bullet lodging in a child's car seat- have highlighted concerns of growing gang numbers, firearms, and violence.

Police commissioner Mike Bush says they're concerned about the rise in gang violence.

"A lot of it is driven by the activity that some gang members decide to get involved in. Organised crime and the selling of drugs does drive a lot of this." 

Police are hitting gangs where it hurts - in the pocket and Bush says police have has success with seizing assets. 

"There is one way to dismantle organised crime: take their liberty from them and take their asset base."

"No one wants to see unemployed criminals driving or riding around in flash vehicles and spending lots of cash," Bush said.  

The Commissioner admits that it is a complex issue to solve and requires both prevention, intervention and enforcement.