Street gangs take over territory or “turf” in a particular city and are often involved in “providing protection” , often a thin cover for extortion, as the “protection” is usually from the gang itself, or in other criminal activity. Many gangs use fronts to demonstrate influence and gain revenue in a particular area.
How do gangs mark their territory?
Gang members use graffiti to mark their territory or turf, declare their allegiance to the gang, advertise a gang's status or power, and to challenge rivals. ... When a neighborhood is marked with graffiti indicating territorial dominance, the entire area and its inhabitants become targets for violence.
What is the problem with gangs?
Gangs as a Social Problem. Gangs are a social problem because of the violence they cause in communities and because of the deleterious effects of gang membership upon its members. At the aggregate level, gangs commit more violence and more serious violence than other delinquent youthful groups.
What are the reasons for youths joining gangs?
- Unstable/broken home.
- Economic instability.
- Low education attainment and expectations.
- Family members in a gang.
- Neglect by one or both parents.
- Violence in the home or in the community, directed at the child.
- Alcoholism and or drug abuse by one or both of the parents.
How do gangs identify themselves?
Gangs use graffiti to identify themselves and mark their gang's “turf” or territory. They also use it to advertise the gang's status or power and to declare their own allegiance to the gang.
How do gangs affect the economy?
The magnitudes of this effect are very large. For instance, as seen in Figure 1, residents of gang areas have US$350 lower income compared to individuals living in neighbouring non-gang locations. Given that the average income in the sample is $625, this discontinuity implies a reduction in income of more than 50%.
How can we prevent teens from joining gangs?
- Addressing elevated risk factors for joining a gang.
- Strengthening families.
- Reducing youth's conflicts.
- Improving community-level supervision of youth.
What do gangs usually do?
Gangs are involved in all areas of street-crime activities like extortion, drug trafficking , both in and outside the prison system, and theft. Gangs also victimize individuals by robbery and kidnapping. ... Often, gangs hire “lookouts” to warn members of upcoming law enforcement.
What do Bloods call Crips?
Bloods disrespect Crips by crossing out the letter “c” and calling Crip members “ Crabs ”.
What does 5 mean to Bloods?
The most commonly used Bloods symbols include the number “5”, the five-pointed star, and the five-pointed crown. These symbols are meant to show the Bloods' affiliation with the People Nation , a large coalition of affiliates created to protect alliance members in federal and state prison.
What do Bloods call each other?
A common greeting among Bloods members is “SuWoop!” (representing a police siren) and members will often say “Blaat!” (representing the sound of automatic gunfire) to announce their presence. The numbers 0, 3, and 1 are very significant to East Coast affiliated Bloods and will appear in their graffiti and tattoos.
Who do gangs affect?
Issues. Children involved in gangs may be known to other services for offending behaviour or school exclusion. Girls and young women involved with gangs can be affected by sexual violence,sexual exploitation domestic violence, drug and alcohol misuse, school exclusion and going missing from home.
Is organized crime good for the economy?
Organised crime raises a huge amount of money from its illicit activities , and a considerable part of this money then flows into legal economy disguised as investments. In 2009, organised crime's worldwide proceeds accounted for $2.1 trillion, with $1.6 trillion reinvested in the legal economy (UNODC 2011).
Why should you avoid gangs?
Joining a gang will not give you more protection ; it could enhance your chance of being targeted as a victim. Gang members make far less money than those who do not join gangs. Gang members usually don't get a good education, making it hard to find a good job.
How many types of gangs are there?
The Federal Bureau of Investigation website in 2014 stated that there were some 33,000 gangs in the United States which they classified as street gangs, motorcycle gangs or prison gangs.
