Crime & Safety

San Diego County Has 158 Gangs With Growing Criminal Impact

Gangs in San Diego County have some 7,500 members, and local officials attribute 26 percent of violent crime in their jurisdictions to gang activity.

A new report Wednesday by SANDAG finds 158 gangs in San Diego County with some 7,500 members, who play a significant role in crimes such as as drug distribution, robbery and prostitution. 

SANDAG said San Diego's law-enforcement officials attribute 26 percent of violent crime in their jurisdictions to gangs. 

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“Gangs are diversifying into other areas and becoming more involved in prostitution, alien smuggling, and human trafficking," said Dr. Cynthia Burke, SANDAG Director of Criminal Justice Research. 

"They are collaborating with each other to build more sophisticated criminal enterprises, and they are using new and advanced technology to facilitate criminal activity to a greater degree than ever before.” 

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The report – Gang Involvement Among San Diego County Arrestees in 2012 – found that nine of 11 jurisdictions believe that gangs pose a more significant risk than they did five years ago. 

Researchers found that the average age of joining a gang is 13.5, and the primary reason for joining a gang is association with friends who are in one. Gang involvement also tends to run in families. 

The San Diego Association of Governments is the region’s primary public planning, transportation, and research agency. It is a joint effort by the region’s 18 cities and the county government.  


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