Often parents are unaware that their children are engaged in gang activity. Gangs generally identify themselves by a name derived from a street, neighborhood, or housing project where they are based, or from a rock band they like, or a cult they follow. Gangs are predominately territorial. Each gang has its own turf and graffiti marks its boundaries. Anyone not belonging in the area and who resembles any rival gang members may become the subject of attack.
Most gang members dress in the same manner.
The uniform of some local gangs is easy to recognize. Gang members also like particular brands of shoes, pants or shirts. For example, some gangs like to wear plaid Pendleton shirts in either blue, brown, black or red. These shirts are worn loose and untucked. Also popular are the Doc Martin or military style boots with the military flight jackets.