There are gangs in Georgia, even in our smallest towns. 

Neighborhoods should not tolerate gangs.

Period.

We are both encouraged and discouraged by a report in this edition about gang activity in our region.

We are encouraged to know that law-enforcement agencies take the presence of gangs seriously.

We are discouraged to hear about the numbers of gangs and gang members increasing.

Whether branches of nationally known gangs such as Folk Nation, Bloods, Crips or homegrown groups, there is no place for them in our city, county and region.

On this front, the worst thing for a city is to deny the presence of gangs.

You can’t be in denial. 

Gangs mean more murder, assault, terroristic threats, robbery, burglary, theft, credit card fraud and narcotics.

The last things we need in our community are more drugs and more weapons in the hands of more criminals.

Major crimes such as murder, rape, arson, larceny, aggravated assault and robbery are on the decline, but that is due in part to strong enforcement.

Crime rates are historically down across the nation but that trend may not continue. 

Crime prevention is always better than enforcement. 

Residents must work with law enforcement to keep crime rates down.

The way to reduce gang membership is by talking to students through programs such as Students Against Destructive Decisions and continuing to educate the public.

It is beyond disturbing to hear that in our community gang leaders are recruiting kids as young as 11-12 years old.

Parents need to take this seriously. These gang members and leaders will try to make young people think they are their friends and will take care of them. They prey on young boys especially and glamorize the gangster lifestyle.

Parents and people who work closely with youths must let them know in no uncertain terms there is nothing glamorous about prison.

A fate worse than prison, of course, is death and we have already seen too many young people shot and killed because of illegal activity.

As community leaders have said, good parenting and parental involvement are keys to keeping young people off the streets and out of gangs.

Parents must be actively involved with their children, know where they are and know who their friends are.

As a community, we cannot bury our heads in the sand.

Pretending like this problem does not exist does not make it go away.

We encourage residents to take their neighborhoods back.

Do not tolerate these gangs in your own neighborhoods. 

Don’t fight with law enforcement or obstruct officers. Work with them, inform them and realize that stamping out illegal activity is in your best interest and will make your neighborhoods a safer place for you and your children.

—Valdosta Daily Times