Facts about girls and gangs

What is a gang? 

A gang can be a group of friends who live in the same area, or all go to the same school and hang around together.

Some gangs take part in criminal activity and try to get girls involved with them, sometimes forcing them to commit a crime or do things that are unsafe.

Why do girls get involved in gangs or with criminals?

There are lots of reasons why girls get involved with the wrong crowd and end up joining gangs or getting involved with criminals. Some of these include:

• Respect and status
• Friends
• Power
• Protection
• Money
• Peer pressure
• A sense of belonging

Is it illegal to be in a gang or involved with a criminal group?

It’s not against the law to be in a gang, but if you’re involved in any illegal activity that the gang or criminal group do, you could be committing an offence.

You could go to prison or end up with a criminal record if you’re involved with:

• Hiding or using guns
• Storing, carrying or selling drugs
• Violence or harassment
• Theft
• Storing money which has been obtained through criminal activity

How will a criminal record affect my future?

If you have a criminal record you may not be accepted into university or college. It will also restrict the type of job you do in the future as any criminal records must be declared.

Some countries like America won’t let you enter their country if you have a criminal record.