Attempting to help youths disengage from gangs is a matching process. Some of these reasons are surprising, such as when one points out to a youth that he fits a predictable profile. Youths in gangs often don't want to believe that adults can figure them out. It isn't uncommon for such a youth to disengage because the facade has been peeled away and they realize that why they do what they do isn't a mystery, thus the raciness is gone. The Affluent Rebels for more detailed guidance.
Crimes committed by gang youths are often random and seemingly without rationale.
For this reason, direct gang intervention efforts should be left to those with experience engaging these youths such as juvenile officers, youth ministries, etc. Sometimes this is due to gang members moving to a community. There is no evidence that this trend will reverse itself anytime soon. Become educated about this new affluent gang trend. Second, unless you have proven experience dealing with juvenile delinquency, don't directly confront gang members, rather contact your local juvenile officer and the appropriate school officials for assistance.