Study: Teens most frequent gang victims and offenders

Gang Violence (Added: December 10, 2009)

A new study came out recently that teens are more more prone to gangs....here are some indicators parents can look for in their teens (more)

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By Cleve Bryan
Published: December 10, 2009

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A ten year study released by the South Carolina Department of Public Safety finds that law enforcement is noticing more and more gang related crime, and those affected most are teenagers.

According to date collected between 1998 and 2007 the highest rate of victimization was for 15 to 16 years olds, followed by 17 to 19 year olds.

The same pattern continued for offenders of gang crime. The highest offender rate was among 15 to 16 year olds and it was 37% higher than among the next group 17 to 19 year olds.

"There is no absolutely safe place away from gang activity," says Sgt Trevor Shelor a crime prevention specialist with the City of Charleston Police Department.

"Most parents have no idea, even in 'good' neighborhoods because the signs of gang activity are heavily masked in symbolism," says Shelor.

Here's a list of some indicators your child or their friends maybe involved with gangs or imitating them:

Withdrawal from family or normal activities
Sudden changes in behaviour and personality
Frequently staying out late at night
Secretive activities
Unexplained injuries, body markings and tattoos
Unexplained gifts of money, expensive items or articles of jewelry
Possession of drugs and/or weapons
Use of hand signs and/or body gestures when communicating with friends

Shelor says if your child or friends exhibit several of these indicators you should talk to them. The best way to keep a teenager or child from getting involved with a gang or imitating one is to keep them engaged in positive activities like sports, church or Scouts.

For more information that the Charleston County School District teaches you can visit this link:
http://www.nationalgangcenter.gov/Content/Documents/Parents-Guide-to-Gangs.pdf