Essay On Street Crime

Street crime is any type of crime that occurs outside on the street. It can be robbery, theft, harassment, criminal damage or assault and can happen to anyone. Young people may be especially at risk because they are out and about a lot and may also be involved in gangs. These crimes can happen anywhere that children and young people go - at school, at home, in parks, at clubs and leisure centers. The perpetrator may know the victim they may not. Wherever it happens, or whoever does it, it is still a crime. It can be really difficult for children and young people to avoid being recruited or affected by gang activity, especially if it is in their neighborhood. Being in a gang is not a crime in itself, but it can make children and young people

The term “street gang” is often used interchangeably with “youth gang” as well as “criminal street gang,” with the latter explicitly denoting the element of criminal activity found almost universally in gang-related legislation. However, the term “street gang” carries two specific meanings that increase its practical value. First, it suggests a common feature of gangs: They commonly have a street presence. Street socialization is a key feature of adolescent gangs. Second, this term also refers to “street crimes,” that is, serious and violent crimes (e.g., assaults, drive-by shootings, robberies, homicides) that occur on the streets and that often are of concern to citizens and policymakers. The ongoing commission of these offenses consequently instills fear among residents, undermining informal social control mechanisms within the

The vast majority of violent incidents involving gang members continue to result from fight over turf, status, and revenge. Different types of cities (urban, suburban, etc.) in Los Angeles County have local street gangs. While a majority of the gang related slayings were in the urban core, in the San Fernando Valley, the murder rate spiked 60% in 2001 because of gang related killings. Over the last several hundred years, a number of cities in the world have been proclaimed the "gang capital". London, England, was first given this title. Just before our civil war, New York was reported to have approximately 30,000 street gang members. At other times, Philadelphia and Chicago were proclaimed gang capitals. All of these cities, with degrees of success, have dealt with the problem and passed the title on to other cities. Youth join gangs for many reasons. However, while gang members commit more types of crime (and more often) than non-gang youth, many gang members are not heavily involved in crime. Most gang members are not drug dealers and most Los Angeles gangs are not organized drug distribution rings. Most gangs are loosely knit, with several members who fill leadership roles, depending on age and situation. Membership fluctuates and gang members have varying degrees of commitment to the gang. Gang cohesiveness is highest when the gang is challenged by other groups or by outsiders.