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Gangs, in Virginia? |  |
Local law authorities have reported that there are currently 80 active gangs in Northern Va. The gangs range from major criminal enterprises, such as MS-13, to motorcycle gangs, including Hell’s Angels, and homegrown (local gangs), such as Oriental Playboys.
The criminal activities of such groups includehomicide, drug trafficking, malicious wounding, robbery, witness intimidation and auto theft, according to A.J. Turner, the Assistant Specialist to the Criminal Department of the Washington District FBI.
There is a correlation between the spread of gangs and the proliferation of illegal drugs, including an increased production of methamphetamine. Many children get involved with gangs simply due to drug addiction.
While the past saw mostly fighting between rival gangs, crimes of violence between rival gang members and innocent civilians are on the rise putting anyone who lives in Northern Va. at risk.
Gang Definition
So what is a gang? Claudio Saa, a Herndon Police detective and member of the Northern Va. Regional Gang Task Force, defined gangs as “a group of people, often youths, who join together and take part in violent and criminal activities.” Saa, who spoke at a town meeting at Herndon High School on March 31 added that there is no classic gang member and anyone can be targeted.
At this point, both Fairfax County and Loudoun County have identified gangs in every area and high school within the counties. Arlington and Prince William counties are just starting their investigations, but similar results are expected.
Gang Targets:
Gangs prey on children at school or within communities who have no direction or association with friends. Due to the rapid growth of Northern Va., many children find themselves in this position.
Children often join for a sense of belonging, out of boredom, for the excitement or due to the popularization of the gang culture in movies and music. The peak age for joining a gang is currently 15 but gangs are starting to target children at a younger age.
“Gangs are extremely violent and are recruiting children from high schools, middle schools and even elementary schools,” said Congressman Frank Wolf (R-Va.) at a news conference at Herndon Municipal Center.
Gangs prefer to target young and naïve children and then refuse to let them out later on. In addition, gangs often harass children who refuse to join gangs. Their homes and belongings are most often targeted for graffiti
So Why Should I Care?
There have been 12 gang related killings in Northern Va. in the past two years. Eleven of these killings were related to Mara Salvatrucha (MS-13), a gang notorious for its brutality and the use of machetes.
“MS-13 has an estimated 3,000 members in Northern Va. and is the most powerful gang in Loudoun County,” according to sheriff’s investigator Scott Mastandrea. There are currently 22 cliques of MS-13 and police are seeing a direct expansion of the gang into the region, attracted by a large El Salvadorian community.
Machete attacks are on the rise in Va. There were several incidents of machete brutality in 2005 and attacks are expected to increase. Most stores have no age limits for selling machetes.
“More gangs are going to start using machetes as a weapon. They’re so big and sexy. They can leave you scarred for life – the wounds are never going to heal. With a machete, you can corner someone and it’s not going to make any noise,” a 20-year-old former South Side Locos member was quoted in washingtonpost.com on January 16, 2005.
This is Happening in Your Neighborhood!
Graffiti has been found in local areas such as on the Sterling Park Mall and Goose Creek Bridge. A bystander was recently wounded during a daytime gang-on-gang shooting at Eden Center. Gangs in Northern Va. have no boundaries and easily move from county to county as they please.
Gangs Currently Identified in Northern Va.
18th Street, 44 Mob, 55 Mob, 85 Crips, ACE (Asian Criminal Enterprises), Asian Dragon Family, Black Gangsta Disciples, Bloods, Cool Kids, Crime Family Gang, Crips, Dragon Family, Eden Boys, Folk Nation, Gangster Disciples, Hells Angels OMG (outlaw motorcycle gang), La Primera, La Raza, Latin Kings, Mexican Mafia/La Eme, Minutemen OMG, MS-13 (numerous sets), Oriental Playboys, Pagans OMG, Park Avenue, Red Devils OMG, Skinheads, Southside Locos, SUR-13, TRG, UBN, Vatos Locos, Warlock OMG, Multiple Home Grown Gangs
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