If your child does not join a gang, then he runs the risk of being assaulted by a gang mistaking him for a rival gang member. My children are good kids, they aren't in a gang. If not through direct gang involvement, then through their acceptance of the gang mindset. Emulating gang dress, attitude and life-style can have detrimental effects on your child. There are no gang members living in my neighborhood.
Gangs are highly mobile and can move in and out of any neighborhood.
Graffiti vandalism is done by gangs who are marking their turf. Graffiti is not usually a sign of gangs taking over your neighborhood. Gangs only hang around in their own neighborhood. Gangsters wear baggy clothing and athletic team baseball hats. I know a gang member when I see one, and I don't see any hanging around my neighborhood.