Counties-Manukau police say there is anecdotal evidence that there are now fewer youth gang-related incidents in South Auckland since a $10 million action plan started in late 2006.
The plan targeted youth gang activity in South Auckland using a range of agencies.
It includes new "reception" centres where young people can be taken off the street rather than put in cells, and youth workers in the community.
Inspector Jason Hewett says police do not have hard data, but there has been a "significant and sustained" reduction in youth gang-related activity.
He says officers are not being called to nearly as many incidents as they were two or three years ago.
