When a neighborhood is marked with graffiti indicating territorial dominance, the entire area and its inhabitants become targets for violence. A rival gang identifies everyone in the neighborhood as a potential threat. Anyone on the street or in their home is a target for drive-by attacks by rival gang members. Unfortunately, innocent people are often subjected to gang violence by the mere presence of graffiti in their neighborhood. Victims of white supremacist or hate graffiti often suffer from fear and intimidation when they are singled out by the skinhead or other white-supremacist gangs.
Prevention is the key to controlling gang activity.
Everyone must work toward solutions to the gang problem. The first step in prevention is to learn about gangs, gang members and their activities. Citizens armed with basic knowledge are better able to avoid becoming victims of gang violence. Establish Neighborhood Watch. Its crime prevention or gang specialists can help your neighborhood plan ways to fight gang activity.