It’s no secret that Los Angeles (LA) is the second largest city in the USA. It is a city of great opportunities, as many businesses, factories, restaurants, hotels, movie studios, institutions, banks, etc. are here. Millions of people come to LA to realize themselves, their plans and ambitions. However, in addition to the luxurious life, the metropolis also has poverty, crime and misery. Today we are going to talk about street gangs, which are widespread in the City of Angels. Read more about it on losangeles1.one.
Gangs development
In the 1920s, street gangs began to develop in Southern California. They consisted of Mexican and American teenagers who united in gangs. Young gangsters used knives and chains in their showdowns. Firearms were considered a sign of weakness. That is why pistols and rifles were rarely used in clashes.
In the case of LA, minor black gangs emerged after World War II. This happened after African Americans migrated to the city.
Gangster groups began to appear in the metropolis in the late 1960s. The gangs started selling drugs. This product brought in a lot of money, so there were systematic conflicts over the division of territory.
In the 1980s, street gangs became even more active. Accordingly, their crimes were becoming more widespread and more violent. The activity of the gangs was connected with a large amount of drugs sent from Mexico to the state of California. During this period, LA was actively developing. High-rise buildings began to be built. The gangs had a place to roam and hide. They were actively recruiting new members.
Fighting against gangs
In the late 80s, there were about 70,000 members of various groups in LA. Drugs were sold openly in the metropolis. That is why the police called 1988 the year of the gangs. There were arrests and street raids.
1992 is considered the bloodiest year in LA history. That year, 1,092 people died. Every year the number of crimes increased. The number of robberies reached 40,000.
LA is one of the most criminalized cities in the world
Street gangs continue to operate in modern society. There are about 700 of them in LA. Gangs control neighborhoods on the outskirts of the metropolis. Most often, they are formed by race and ethnicity. Members of criminal gangs deal drugs, steal cars and rob LA residents. Ordinary gang members perform the tasks of experienced gangsters. There is information that gang leadership is inherited.
Why is the police inactive? This is a rhetorical question. In general, there are four gang members for every police officer. Every year the number of bandits increases.
LA is a city of contrasts. It is home to millionaires and people living below the poverty line. Every year, a large number of tourists come to the metropolis to see the architectural sights. Tourists are not recommended to visit the outskirts of LA. However, a bus tour that runs through gangland is popular among travelers. The tour was organized by former gangster Alfred Lomas. In this way, Lomas wants to stop street violence and reduce the number of crimes.
This is the story of the development of street gangs in the Сity of Angels. We hope that you found our material interesting and that you have drawn the appropriate conclusions. What do you know about street gangs in LA?