They intimidate rivals and citizens alike. The gang's power grows through the use of fear and intimidation. This can be countered by citizen action groups such as the Neighborhood Watch. A neighborhood united and dedicated to a spirit of cooperation toward stopping crime and violence will greatly hamper a gang's efforts to intimidate and victimize. Prevention Prevention is the key to controlling gang activity.
Many parents are unaware that their children are involved in gang activity.
Many of the younger gang members are not aware of the realities of the violence associated with gang membership or the finality of death. Parents should look for changes in the behavior patterns of their children. Such changes include truancy, a decline in grades, changes of friends, late hours, graffiti in their bedrooms, and other indications of gang involvement. Gangs frequently gather in dark areas to avoid being seen. In these locations, they will often drink, use narcotics, and deface property with graffiti.