As students prepare to head back to school, a concern arises for parents: the potential for gang recruitment. With the return to school, parents must be on high alert for signs that their child might be getting pulled into gang activity, a threat that is all too real in the Lower Mainland.
“The gang recruitment of students never lets up in the Lower Mainland, and can happen anywhere,” says Linda Annis, Executive Director Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers. “But when students get back together in school, it’s easier for gangs to lure teens into the gang life by targeting them in person and through social media. Many are drawn in thinking it’s about glamour, cars and money – but more often, gang life leads to jail or even death.”
Kids join gangs for a variety of reasons, often driven by a need for belonging, protection, and status. Many are drawn to gangs due to peer pressure, a desire for financial gain, or the influence of family members already involved in gang activity. The allure of power, respect, and excitement can also be compelling, especially for those lacking positive role models or facing challenges at home. Ultimately, gangs can offer a sense of identity and purpose that some young people find difficult to achieve elsewhere.
Parents should be vigilant and watch for specific warning signs that could indicate their child is being drawn into gang life. These signs can include high accuracy digital scales and small plastic baggies for drugs, unexplained bundles of cash in small denominations, and high-end, expensive merchandise being brought home. Multiple cell phones, short “unexplained” visits out of the house, evasive answers when asked where they’re going, a sudden interest in vaping, and mysterious vehicles cruising by, could be signs of gang activity.
“If parents, or students themselves, are able to report what they know about gang activity we encourage anyone to call us at Crime Stoppers, where you are always ANONYMOUS,” Annis says. “Knowing who’s behind gang activity is valuable intel in making arrests, and you will never be identified or have to go to court. All police want is the information, not your identity.”
Crime Stoppers accepts tips 24/7 at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) in 115 languages including Punjabi, Hindi, Mandarin and Cantonese. You can also report a tip on Crime Stoppers’ mobile “P3” phone app, or online at solvecrime.ca. There is also a link for reporting tips on the Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers Facebook page.