| Gang
Task Force Advisory Board
Signs
of Gangs in Your Neighborhood
GRAFFITI
One
of the first signs of the presence of a gang in your neighborhood
is graffiti. Graffiti is a clear marking of territorial
boundaries which serves as a warning and challenge to rival
gangs. It is also used to communicate messages between
gangs.
The
graffiti may indicate the gang's name, the member's nickname,
a declaration of loyalty, a memorial to a slain gang member,
threats, challenges, and warnings to rival gangs, or a description
of criminal acts which the gang has been involved.
Gang graffiti is most commonly found on neighborhood walls,
fences, and mailboxes.
TAGGING
Another
type of gang is known as a tagging crew. Tagging crews
are individuals (known as “taggers”) who initially group together
for the sole purpose of placing their names or slogans in
visible locations or having tagging competitions known as
“battles” with other tagging crews when they are challenged.
While tagging can be done by individuals or crews who
have no gang affiliation, trends are showing that more and
more tagging crews are being identified (by law enforcement)
as another type of street gang.
YOUTHS
HANGING OUT
Another
sign that gangs may be in your neighborhood is the presence
of large numbers of youths hanging around public parks, high
schools, fast food stands, convenience stores, and other hang-outs
for teenagers. You may also notice the frequent use
of public phone booths by people who actually receive phone
calls there.
DRUG
HOUSES
Drug
gangs set up shop in homes, apartments, or hotels.
These sites, known as “rock” or drug houses, are used for
the manufacturing, distribution, and sale of illegal drugs.
Drug houses are usually in disrepair and are the site
of many parties. The most identifiable characteristic
of a drug house, however, is the heavy traffic of people coming
into the house for short periods and then leaving.
INCREASE
IN CRIME
Your
community may experience an increase in gang-related crimes
such as vandalism, assaults, burglaries, robberies, and even
random drive-by shootings.
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