What is a gang? What do gangs do? Statistics..

A gang is usually a group of teens and young adults who spend most of their time together. They often plan how to carry out different activities that usually involve using violence. Gangs are known by particular names. They are organized with leaders and followers. Gangs usually claim a particular area of a city or town which they call their “turf”. They spend most of their time recruting new members and protecting their "turf" from the rival gangs and to keep them out of their territory. A gang usually makes money by doing illegal things. They get most of their money by dealing illegal drugs, forcing people to pay them money for protection, robbing people and stores, selling those stolen things, and trading illegal weapons.

Statistics:

• About 7 percent of teens say they belong to gangs


• Gang members usually range in age from 12 to 25 years old


• The average ageto be in a gang is 17


• Many large gangs have members of several age and ethnic groups


• About 20 percent of all teens know someone who was killed or injured by a gang member


• In some cities 70 percent of teens are killed by guns or a gang member


• Gang members steal or destroy school property