Gangs

A gang is a group of people who may be involved in crime and violence. Many young people will not realise they are in a gang, they will just think they are in a group of friends. Being in a gang is not illegal - only the criminal offences committed are illegal.

Young people can join gangs for a number of reasons. They can join to get:

• recognition
• excitement
• friends
• acceptance
• a sense of belonging
• power over other people
• money from crime
• protection
• territory
• respect

Children may think that being in a gang will give them a glamorous lifestyle, but the reality is very different. Being in a gang puts children and young people at more risk of:

• committing crime
• dealing or taking drugs
• ending up in prison
• being a victim of violence or even death