Gangs and gang crime

Gangs are street-based groups who see themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group for whom crime and violence is an integral part of the group’s identity.

In terms of safeguarding children and young people, gang involvement is increasingly recognised as a form of Child Criminal Exploitation. Any organisation that works with young people should be aware of the risks and alert to the signs of gang involvement.

Reasons young people may join gangs:

• Coercion or threat
• Peer pressure
• Debt bondage
• Because they have been groomed
• Existing family or community links
• Protection – don't feel safe otherwise
• Financial incentives
• Need for connection – belonging to a group, feeling acceptance etc.
• Seeking respect, agency and power

Workers can help prevent children getting involved in a gang by talking openly about gangs, finding out what children think about gangs and warning them of the dangers of becoming involved 

Your organisation should have clear expectations on behaviour and acceptable boundaries for all the group activities, and a clear policy on what to do if you discover weapons such as knives or guns. 

If you suspect a young person of being in a gang you should consider sharing these concerns with their parent/carer. Seek advice before you do this, though, in case parental involvement would increase risk to the child.

Things to consider

Bullying, intimidation and peer pressure can play a large part in gang recruitment. 

Young people associated with gangs are themselves at risk.  

Sexual violence is often used to exert power and control over others and girls associated with gangs are particularly at risk of sexual exploitation.

Children as young as seven years old can be gang-involved 

Someone who is part of a gang may be given a harsher sentence if they are found guilty of possessing drugs, carrying a knife or weapon such as a gun.