Crime Prevention

A gang is an ongoing loosely organized association of three or more persons, whether formal or informal, which has a common name, signs, symbols or colors, whose members engage, either individually, or collectively, in violent or other forms of illegal behavior.

Street Gangs in Bonham

The Bonham Police Department has identified more than 6 gangs in Bonham, with an unknown membership total. The age range is generally between 14 and 22 years. Identified gang members only represent less than 2% of the youth in Bonham, however, many members are not in school and membership is increasing.

What Is Territory?

Most gangs in Bonham will claim an area as it's "Turf" or "Territory" and mark it with their graffiti. The turf concept in Bonham is different than in Los Angeles and Chicago, where street gangs claim a defined neighborhood. Bonham gangs are mobile and seem to use public events as their focal point. Many claim a geographic area as their turf and incorporate the area into the gang's name, such as South Bonham, Eastside, Westside, etc. As a member moves, or switches schools he simply starts the gang in a new area. Gang activity has been detected in many sectors of the city.

Gang Activity

Gang members like to frequent the same places as most of us...malls, amusement parks, special events. They're showing up everywhere. When a gang attends a public event, the potential for violence and criminal activity is great. The resulting violence often claims innocent victims, which is why everyone is impacted by gang activity. Parents need to become aware of gang members, their characteristics and activities, to protect their children and to enable parents to intervene if gang involvement is detected.

Who Joins?

Many gang members have a history of troubled family lives. Many have been abused and have no background to give them an understanding of the value of human life.. Young people of all socio-economic levels and ethnic backgrounds are members of gangs. In gangs they find a form of support, attention, and the common ground they may not have with their families. They are young people looking for "respect," protection and adventure, who are willing to risk all by joining a gang in the mistaken belief that a gang will provide these things to them.

Warning Signs