News that gang activity is rising in Morgan Hill should concern residents of every race, religion and income.
Police Chief Bruce Cumming reports that Morgan Hill had more gang-related incidents in the first half of 2008 than nearby Gilroy, despite the fact that Gilroy's population is approximately 25 percent larger than Morgan Hill's population.
It's a warning sign that our community cannot ignore.
Heed the warnings
"These things are happening ... in areas that people would not associate with gang activity. It is not happening very late at night, it is happening in the early evening hours," Cumming said.
Given the time and location of many of the gang-related incidents, it's increasingly likely that innocent members of the community could be caught in the crossfire of what Cumming described as "violent" and "impulsive" attacks between members of rival gags.
Law enforcement officials suspect that the rise in gang activity is due to turf battles between Norte'o and Sure'o gang members. Gangs fund themselves most often with sales of illegal drugs - especially meth - and affluent Morgan Hill is an attractive place to control. Morgan Hill is currently known as Norte'o territory; officials speculate that Sure'os are trying to make inroads in this community.
Cooperation is essenti
Police are working with other are agencies to address the problem. We encourage them to look at programs that have worked in those communities, such as Gilroy's Anti-Crime Team and its Lucky 7 bulletin.
In addition, given the time and location of the gang-related incidents of late, it's important that residents report any suspicious activity to police.
It's not safe to assume that because you don't wear gang colors or hang out with gang members that you're immune to the violent effects of gang activity. We're seeing clear signs of increasing trouble. Let's work together now to minimize it. But, for now, we're glad to see that the preliminary steps are wise ones.
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