In the upside down morality of the gang mentality, visual signs of their destructive ability makes the gang members feel more powerful. Their perceived need to defend their gang's territory and to attack other gang's territories leads to many of the violent confrontations. Gangs are also involved in the sale and use of drugs and motor vehicle thefts. Crimes Against Persons Gang members seek confrontations with rivals. The resulting violence often claims innocent victims.
Gang members consider anyone who lives in a rival gang's area as a potential threat.
Therefore anyone living in any gang's area may be attacked. Gang violence ranges from individual assaults to group attacks. These assaults may include beatings, stabbings and shootings. Gangs are also involved in extortion, robbery and intimidation. Joining a gang immediately jeopardizes the gang members health, welfare and safety.