💀Gang recruitment often targets vulnerable young people with promises of money and belonging.
🔪Drugs sales are a primary source of income for street gangs.
🔫Although guns are easy to source, knife violence is more prevalent.
💼Gangs operate like businesses, with a hierarchy and a chain of command.
🌐Urban gangs expand into smaller towns through a strategy called county lines.
What attracts young people to join gangs?
—Young people are often attracted to gangs due to the promise of money, belonging, and a sense of power.
What is county lines?
—County lines is a term used to describe urban gangs expanding their drug operations into smaller towns and rural areas.
Why are knives more prevalent than guns in gang violence?
—The laws and regulations around knives are less strict compared to guns, making it easier for young people to acquire them.
How do gangs recruit new members?
—Gangs often target vulnerable young people and use tactics like befriending, spoiling, and testing them to gain their trust and loyalty.
How can gang violence be prevented?
—Preventing gang violence requires better policing, intervention programs, and providing alternative opportunities for young people.
00:00Omar Sharif, a former gang member, shares his insights into how gangs operate.
02:22Gangs have a hierarchical structure and operate like businesses.
04:59County lines is a strategy used by urban gangs to expand into smaller towns.
06:36Gangs primarily make their money through drug sales.
09:59Knife violence is more prevalent than gun violence in gang-related incidents.
11:00Gangs recruit vulnerable young people with promises of money and belonging.
12:10Gang violence is often influenced by the rivalry and competition seen in the US.
