Senior politicians' claims of an African gang crisis have lent legitimacy to far-right groups who are now planning vigilante action, experts say.

The True Blue Crew claim they plan to attend crimes in progress and make citizens' arrests, while the Soldiers of Odin say they are running "safety patrols" in the CBD.

True Blue Crew leader Kane Miller outside the meeting on Sunday. Credit:Mathew Lynn

The groups have also been actively recruiting through suburban neighbourhood watch groups, targeting people who have fears for their safety, experts say.

"The far-right are looking for a new cause, something that they can try to get the public on side with. This comes forward now because the comments from the federal government are making this look acceptable," says Dr Andre Oboler, CEO of the Online Hate Prevention Institute and lecturer in cybersecurity at La Trobe's Law School.