Help with gang activity!
- Thread starter Edgeofthewoods
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DontBurnMyFlag
Member
I dont agree with moving.
Why should my life change due to the fact that there are criminals afoot? Something should be done to change THEIR lifestyle, not mine.
You can move all over your entire life everytime you run into a problem... Or you can stand up and do something about it. The police, the community and yourself are the greatest weapons available.
Theres no need to move when the problem hasnt even gotten out of hand.
I am not saying to wait around for something serious to happen, but its not like there were drive-bys and firebombings.
Why should my life change due to the fact that there are criminals afoot? Something should be done to change THEIR lifestyle, not mine.
You can move all over your entire life everytime you run into a problem... Or you can stand up and do something about it. The police, the community and yourself are the greatest weapons available.
Theres no need to move when the problem hasnt even gotten out of hand.
I am not saying to wait around for something serious to happen, but its not like there were drive-bys and firebombings.
Frog48
Member
Are these punks involved in any extracurricular activities at school, especially sports teams?
If so, getting the school's principal and coaches involved can have a huge impact. Alot of kids will clean up their act when threatened with expulsion from a sports team.
If so, getting the school's principal and coaches involved can have a huge impact. Alot of kids will clean up their act when threatened with expulsion from a sports team.
WolfMansDad
Member
WolfMansMom here.
If your town does not have a curfew, have a curfew. Gangs are active in the middle of the night.
Your son must stay out of any area with gang grafitti. So many teens and young adults have been shot in our county for simply being a Mexican in a Mexican gang territory. The gang members could tell the young person was not in their set, so they killed them. And it's not just Hispanic kids. Last month a young african-american soldier, off duty, was killed by gang members.
You may not realize what gang fashion entails. Many young people wear thug clothing who are not gang affiliated. Learn what is thuggy. Red tennis shoes, Red, or blue baggy basketball shorts, white T-shirts, Do-rags. And that's just for certain Bloods and Crips sets. Who knows what your cities gangs are wearing. I know it sounds ridiculous for your kid not to wear a white T-shirt, but you have to know what sets your son up as a target. Also hair styles like cornrows, or shaven heads for Latinos. White children are not immune either, they get jumped in gangs of color too. Get rid of the bagginess. Only be as baggy as the J. Crew catalogue allows.
If you see any gang looking people loitering in your neighborhood call the police. If they feel comfortable there, they will start tagging. Keep them out.
And finally, save your son from a severe gang beating that looks like it is coming up from what you have already written. Either put your kid in private school, or homeschool him.
Concerned Mother,
WolfMansMom
If your town does not have a curfew, have a curfew. Gangs are active in the middle of the night.
Your son must stay out of any area with gang grafitti. So many teens and young adults have been shot in our county for simply being a Mexican in a Mexican gang territory. The gang members could tell the young person was not in their set, so they killed them. And it's not just Hispanic kids. Last month a young african-american soldier, off duty, was killed by gang members.
You may not realize what gang fashion entails. Many young people wear thug clothing who are not gang affiliated. Learn what is thuggy. Red tennis shoes, Red, or blue baggy basketball shorts, white T-shirts, Do-rags. And that's just for certain Bloods and Crips sets. Who knows what your cities gangs are wearing. I know it sounds ridiculous for your kid not to wear a white T-shirt, but you have to know what sets your son up as a target. Also hair styles like cornrows, or shaven heads for Latinos. White children are not immune either, they get jumped in gangs of color too. Get rid of the bagginess. Only be as baggy as the J. Crew catalogue allows.
If you see any gang looking people loitering in your neighborhood call the police. If they feel comfortable there, they will start tagging. Keep them out.
And finally, save your son from a severe gang beating that looks like it is coming up from what you have already written. Either put your kid in private school, or homeschool him.
Concerned Mother,
WolfMansMom
The Amigo
Member
?
Are stun guns and mace legal in your state? stun guns are a good showstoppers that will stop a tuff guy when the electricity light up the night and are non lethal if used properly had a similar problem with my son and the harassing ended once they knew he was juiced up. However i trained my son on the take it out as last resort and he is a pretty responsible teen. not all teens have the maturity. Having a cell to dial 911 is good 2 but don't count on the cops to be there right away. hope this helps
Are stun guns and mace legal in your state? stun guns are a good showstoppers that will stop a tuff guy when the electricity light up the night and are non lethal if used properly had a similar problem with my son and the harassing ended once they knew he was juiced up. However i trained my son on the take it out as last resort and he is a pretty responsible teen. not all teens have the maturity. Having a cell to dial 911 is good 2 but don't count on the cops to be there right away. hope this helps
george29
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I worked with a kid (19-20 not a gang member) in Albq, his friend (also not a gang member) was shot and killed for "dissing" a banger wannabe. I believe you need to be very involved and both you and your son need to be in constant condition orange. Get your neighbors with kids involved, start a neighborhood watch or get involved in one. The cops will only get involved if enough noise coming from residents is heard. Get a petition and send it with a threat to stop paying property taxes, Edgewood is small enough that you should be able to get something going. There is only strength in numbers, something these bastards already know, your boy is a walking target if he is alone.
Edgeofthewoods
Member
Thanks for the good advice. Moving is NOT and option. It is not that we can not afford to move but I will not. This is my home and my town. As far as if the "gang" is out of Albuquerque it may be possible, but unlikely. Edgewood does not have the base population to support that type of gang, (At least I hope not.) Los Lunas and Belen are more viable options. Whatever it takes I will protect my children. We as a people have been pushed and pushed from all different sides. It is time for us to push back. At least for this retired NCO to. I thank you folks for all the advice, but well I will have to figure out what to do. My first steps are to take it the legal route as far as it will go. After that....................well my family has always come first and what needs to be done will need to be done.
I do need to check the laws on minors packing stun guns and/or mace. But I think it will be better int he long run if I supply him with something non lethal but effective. Just to buy him time to get away. I will deal with any repercussion's afterwards. That is my job. I'll keep folks posted here on how things pan out at the school tomorrow.
Thanks again
Chuck
I do need to check the laws on minors packing stun guns and/or mace. But I think it will be better int he long run if I supply him with something non lethal but effective. Just to buy him time to get away. I will deal with any repercussion's afterwards. That is my job. I'll keep folks posted here on how things pan out at the school tomorrow.
Thanks again
Chuck
plexreticle
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Sad commentary for the US that this is actually a real problem.
A large dog is good security and will be a good companion for your children.
A large dog is good security and will be a good companion for your children.
Cosmoline
Member
Ditto. And find out the names of the "gang members" and the addresses and occupations of their parents. It's an easy matter to start sending out flyers with this information and details of their kid's activities. It's a way of letting them know it will be their hide to the wall if things go to far. Basically, drive them out on a rail. Small towns have been doing it for thousands of years.
Moving is foolish. You'll see the same stupid kids everywhere. Don't overreact and make your kids afraid of everything, just take matters in hand and go to the source of the problem--THE FAMILIES THE PUNKS COME FROM. If you move to a large town you won't have that option.
tbtrout
Member
When it comes to gangs, any force they are met with will be returned and then some. Their own gang will beat on them if they are "punked' and do not respond to keep their gangs respect. These little miscreants have nothing to lose by resorting to violence and everything to lose if they are percieved as weak. My neighborhood is starting to show activity and signs of gangs and I am thinking the same as you. I am doing research and waiting from a call from the local Police Gan Unit.
Most of the time talking to the parents will not work because it is the lack of parenting that put these kids in the gang to begin with. And, you are right the wannabes are worse because they are trying to impress.
Good Luck
Most of the time talking to the parents will not work because it is the lack of parenting that put these kids in the gang to begin with. And, you are right the wannabes are worse because they are trying to impress.
Good Luck
357wheelgunner
Member
When I was in high school I got in a very high profile brawl with the local king wannabe gangbanger. He went to a school the next town over, but the next day his "homies" at my school were asking me about the fight. A friend of mine was talking to them and they said that they were going to go to my house for revenge. My buddy informed them that they should probably stay away from my house because I was a shooter and would have no problem with them and anyone they brought along (I had a Ruger mini-14 that I always kept closeby in the house, even when I was younger). They decided to give up and find something less dangerous to occupy their time with.
Someone earlier in the thread said that the only thing these morons understand is fear, and he is right. It is a scary thing though, dealing with stupid people, because you never know what they will do.
Good luck!
Someone earlier in the thread said that the only thing these morons understand is fear, and he is right. It is a scary thing though, dealing with stupid people, because you never know what they will do.
Good luck!
12GA00buck
Member
I'm sorry to hear about your situation. They may be young punks, but if their willing to use deadly weapons (albeit a meat tenderizer), I consider them-armed criminals in my book. I'd bet at least one of them has a criminal record, see if you cant contact their probation officer, and/or file official charges for attempted assault. A restraining order is a great idea.
Maybe you could organize with other parents and arrange for an armed adult to be close by when they go to the park. I'll guess theses punks are all bark and no bite, a good dousing of bear spray should set em' straight.
If they try to assault you or your family with deadly weapons, you’re legally justified to use the most prudent means of ending the conflict. In a civilized society the community would be able to get together and set the little buggers straight. I’d review your states law concerning self-defense and have a serious talk with the town’s sheriff. Giving your son a can of OC spray is a good idea so long as he’s responsible enough not to abuse it.
Good Luck
Maybe you could organize with other parents and arrange for an armed adult to be close by when they go to the park. I'll guess theses punks are all bark and no bite, a good dousing of bear spray should set em' straight.
If they try to assault you or your family with deadly weapons, you’re legally justified to use the most prudent means of ending the conflict. In a civilized society the community would be able to get together and set the little buggers straight. I’d review your states law concerning self-defense and have a serious talk with the town’s sheriff. Giving your son a can of OC spray is a good idea so long as he’s responsible enough not to abuse it.
Good Luck
You live in a small town and it seems that you are a very responsible person-so organize your community. You probably know a lot of parents in your neighborhood, get everyone involved. Small town, you probably know who the gang kid's parents are They should be sent a combined community message that they will be held accountable for their kid's actions.
Also, since you already have the police involved, the kid carrying a knife definitely should be getting some jailtime.
Also, since you already have the police involved, the kid carrying a knife definitely should be getting some jailtime.
03Shadowbob
Member
you say you won't move because you just won't? I am sure your son thanks God everyday that he gets to walk around in fear because his dad will not move due to the fact that he has too much pride to do so. If you do not have any knowledge about gangs, you better educate yourself fast. It is a very dangerous situation once your son is picked out.
I am all for trying to save the community and all that but I can say that because it's not my kid who is in danger. If it were my kid in danger, then that old saying "Home is where I lay my head" would mean the most to me and I would get out of there. I am not a pansy by any sense of the word and not afraid to throw down when needed but I will not endanger my family for any reason whatsoever. You may be different and that lesson you are trying to teach your kid may cost you and him something much more dear.
just my .02
I am all for trying to save the community and all that but I can say that because it's not my kid who is in danger. If it were my kid in danger, then that old saying "Home is where I lay my head" would mean the most to me and I would get out of there. I am not a pansy by any sense of the word and not afraid to throw down when needed but I will not endanger my family for any reason whatsoever. You may be different and that lesson you are trying to teach your kid may cost you and him something much more dear.
just my .02
You move to avoid the gangs. Then they show up at your next place so you move again. What you going to do when there is no place else to move?
When you run from a problem using the reason of keeping your family safe. You are still running away. You put them and their children in more danger because you let the problem grow by running away instead of stepping up and doing something about it.
People will try to guilt you into moving to save the children. Are you saving the children or making their future worth? They will have to deal with the problem you run away from.
Stick with your guns and get the community involved to end this problem now. It will come back again, but the next time the community will be experienced in handling it and stopping it before it gets out of hand.
When you run from a problem using the reason of keeping your family safe. You are still running away. You put them and their children in more danger because you let the problem grow by running away instead of stepping up and doing something about it.
People will try to guilt you into moving to save the children. Are you saving the children or making their future worth? They will have to deal with the problem you run away from.
Stick with your guns and get the community involved to end this problem now. It will come back again, but the next time the community will be experienced in handling it and stopping it before it gets out of hand.
robert garner
Member
Oh! Please!!
03shadowbob,
Where ya gonna run too? LA, New York? Just now where is it safe?
send the boy off to Grannys and clean clocks?
Cops only seem ineffective they get real effective if you were to
show some spine! I have no answers, but running aint one either.
robert
03shadowbob,
Where ya gonna run too? LA, New York? Just now where is it safe?
send the boy off to Grannys and clean clocks?
Cops only seem ineffective they get real effective if you were to
show some spine! I have no answers, but running aint one either.
robert
K3
Member
It's a damn shame that because of the way society is now (wussified and litigious) that this can't be dealt with the old fashioned way. *shrug*
Professor K
Member
Well, if you look in your school rulebook's definition of dangerous weapons, pepperspray or a stun gun probably isnt listed. Pepperspray is ideal, it doesnt look very gun like, and it's even accepted among liberals.
Another thing you can look into getting him is a cheap pen knife, looks like a pen and can write, but you pull the top off and it's a knife.
I know I'll probably get flamed at suggesting him to get his kid one of these, but having equal odds of coming out alive/not injured is good in my mind. It seems like many people here have CCWs, yet live in the boonies or there is otherwise no direct threat toward you at the moment. That's fine. But, in my mind, a person with a gang going after him deserves the means to equal the odds, legal or not.
Teach your kid to fight, too. Another thing is to teach him to stay low-key, being low-key will keep you out of trouble, too.
As far as telling the school, in my experience as a 16 year old, telling the school will not do jack s*it, but that's what they expect kids to do now. Just go tell a guidance counselor, and all your problems will go away!
Tell the cops about the gang, that'd help way more than the school. You should probably still tell the school anyway, just because. If your school has a school cop, tell him, too. Just try to get everyone to know that there's a gang.
Another thing you can look into getting him is a cheap pen knife, looks like a pen and can write, but you pull the top off and it's a knife.
I know I'll probably get flamed at suggesting him to get his kid one of these, but having equal odds of coming out alive/not injured is good in my mind. It seems like many people here have CCWs, yet live in the boonies or there is otherwise no direct threat toward you at the moment. That's fine. But, in my mind, a person with a gang going after him deserves the means to equal the odds, legal or not.
Teach your kid to fight, too. Another thing is to teach him to stay low-key, being low-key will keep you out of trouble, too.
As far as telling the school, in my experience as a 16 year old, telling the school will not do jack s*it, but that's what they expect kids to do now. Just go tell a guidance counselor, and all your problems will go away!
Tell the cops about the gang, that'd help way more than the school. You should probably still tell the school anyway, just because. If your school has a school cop, tell him, too. Just try to get everyone to know that there's a gang.
glockman19
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I am sorry to hear of your loss. I'm sure that Edgeofthewoods, is trying to avoid the same. My heart goes out to both of you.
tnieto2004
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tough situation .. pepper spray would be safer than learning kung fu in my opinion .. stay in groups and buy him some potent pepper spray ..
I had a few punks mess with me when I was a young boy .. my dad had a chat with a few of them .. they left me alone .. Not going to work every time .. but in my case it did ..
I had a few punks mess with me when I was a young boy .. my dad had a chat with a few of them .. they left me alone .. Not going to work every time .. but in my case it did ..
skinnyguy
Member
Moving would not be an option for me either. I refuse to let some punk kids run me out of my home, the one that I worked and sweated and bled over. If I were to run off like a dog with it's tail between it's legs, THEY WIN! This is MY home, MY town. If they want to run this town, they'd better do it the right way and run for mayor. Otherwise, they are just stupid punks with a bad attitude and no self-worth and no direction in life that will most likely be dead or in jail before they reach 30. That is unless they have an eye-opening experience and realize they are being stupid.
The problem is that they remain dangerous, and the problem NEEDS to be addressed, and FAST. I know I have p.o.'d some of the younger ones in the course of my job, and so I'm on a watch pretty much all the time, but I have not thought about moving, running, changing jobs, or doing ANYTHING they'd want me to do. And it has NOTHING to do with them, it's because the things I have done or will not do is because it is what I have decided.
I refuse to let them win, and I WILL do anything I have to do to protect me and mine - from ALL enemies, foreign or domestic, nor will I give up a few basic liberties for more security. Meaning I will not give up this home I was free to purchase and the family I love to feel more secure, because the people I run from will either track me down and force me out again, or there will be others just like them to take their place.
And I would NEVER suggest anything else but this to anybody who has a hope left in their situation, and EdgeOfTheWoods has MANY options still left.
The problem is that they remain dangerous, and the problem NEEDS to be addressed, and FAST. I know I have p.o.'d some of the younger ones in the course of my job, and so I'm on a watch pretty much all the time, but I have not thought about moving, running, changing jobs, or doing ANYTHING they'd want me to do. And it has NOTHING to do with them, it's because the things I have done or will not do is because it is what I have decided.
I refuse to let them win, and I WILL do anything I have to do to protect me and mine - from ALL enemies, foreign or domestic, nor will I give up a few basic liberties for more security. Meaning I will not give up this home I was free to purchase and the family I love to feel more secure, because the people I run from will either track me down and force me out again, or there will be others just like them to take their place.
And I would NEVER suggest anything else but this to anybody who has a hope left in their situation, and EdgeOfTheWoods has MANY options still left.
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Cosmoline
Member
I disagree with those suggesting the KIDS should somehow be responsible for taking care of this with pepper spray or kung fu. That's Karate Kid nonsense. If these bullies did indeed use deadly weapons, the time has come for ADULTS to act. And I don't mean just a complaint to the school system. Get organized, ID the perps, find the parents. Drive *THEM* out. I'm not suggesting a pitchfork and torch, but the modern equivalent. A committee and some lawyers 
mordechaianiliewicz
Member
Wow, I guess it's everywhere now. When I went to HS (which wasn't that long ago), we were prep and didn't have gangs, but the school was in a "Crip" territory....
Anyway, yes, get the kid some mace. But after that, band together legally with the residents of this town. The good thing about where you live is that it takes alot smaller a group of people to effect political change than it would in a city.
And, I'm with you as far as not moving. Moving is never an option other than in the short term. And as far as this situation goes, it sounds like you probably can get things moving along if you simply take the political route, and make political threats if "something" is not done.
Past that, I cannot give you any suggestions. As some folks say, perhaps in the past there might have been a far different way to handle this stuff. Fortunately for those "gangsters" this is now.
Anyway, yes, get the kid some mace. But after that, band together legally with the residents of this town. The good thing about where you live is that it takes alot smaller a group of people to effect political change than it would in a city.
And, I'm with you as far as not moving. Moving is never an option other than in the short term. And as far as this situation goes, it sounds like you probably can get things moving along if you simply take the political route, and make political threats if "something" is not done.
Past that, I cannot give you any suggestions. As some folks say, perhaps in the past there might have been a far different way to handle this stuff. Fortunately for those "gangsters" this is now.
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