An Australian crime expert says a ban on gang patches across the ditch has had benefits.

In New Zealand, legislation will soon be introduced to Parliament banning gang insignia in public places, letting police issue dispersal notices, and courts issue non-consorting orders.

It'll be in force later this year.

Queensland University of Technology's Mark Lauchs says a similar law in Queensland had a clear impact.

"When the patches disappeared, when you didn't have 100 Harley-Davidsons riding down the road together, the level of perception of safety went way up."

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