I enjoyed the article "Gangs" by Beth Burger, and I do have some comments to add.
The efforts thus far to deter this activity is failing. It is time to take a proactive stance against delinquent activity altogether. The punishment and consequence is not severe enough to make an impact. Prosecution for juveniles should include their responsible authority figure, parent, grandparents or other. That should include stiff fines for property damage, which if not.paid would result in time served to improve our community. Painting bridges, collecting garbage, cleaning community buildings... And if that doesn't work, then time.served in correctional facilities or work farms.
The poor behavior will not go away until the consequence.for their actions becomes severe enough.
If the families who are harboring these delinquents live on community or federal funds, you simply discontinue their benefits. Why do we continue to provide low income or free housing for individuals who continue to slap us in the face? If the heads of household know they can lose their benefits and housing allowances, they will take care of the behavior issues on their own. This will save the community money in the long run anyway.
If an individual is caught violating a city ordinance or commuting a crime, the entire household suffers. The behavior can stop, or the families can move to a different town.
Jake Pryor