A North Island mother who sent her son to Christchurch to escape a gang, says organised criminals are exploiting kids.
The mother - who RNZ has agreed not to name - says her child aged under 14 was bullied by Crips members and associates for a year, until he joined them.
She told reporter Sam Olley that her son started shoplifting, breaking into businesses, and stealing cars - feeding the proceeds back to the gang.