ALL levels of formal education are discarded because they differ from the gangs'objectives. Gang members not killed or seriously injured often develop patterns of alcoholand narcotics abuse, as well as extensive police records that will limit their employmentopportunities. It is not practical to examine everything a gang does. In fact, many gang activities arefrequently shared by a large portion of society. But when a gang is involved in a weekendparty, attends a public event such as visiting an amusement park or attends a school relatedfunction such as a dance or ball game, the potential for violence and criminal activity is fargreater than for any other group of people.
Gang members seek confrontation with rivals.
The resulting violence often claims innocent victims. While gang violence often makes headlines, it creates even more damage on a regular basisto local property and business. Vandalism, in the form of graffiti and the wantondestruction of public and private property, is often done in furtherance of the gang'sreputation. Abandoned houses are favorite targets for vandalism, but even occupied homesdo not escape. This decreases property values in residential neighborhoods and negativelyaffects industrial and commercial areas.