Children and youth join gangs for many reasons including but not limited to seeking a sense of belonging, status, protection and/or wealth.

The following warning signs are behaviours that can be observed and could indicate potential gang or criminal involvement as well as the need for intervention services.

If you know a young person displaying any of these warning signs, learn more about the Surrey Anti-Gang Family Empowerment Program and the 11 early gang intervention programs available for young people and their families.

Individual

(Internal)

• Sudden change in behaviour  

• Change in physical appearance 

• Disrespectful to teachers and authority figures 

• Unexplained injuries and getting into fights 

• Not having a job but coming home with unexplained expensive items and cash    

• Tattoos on body or using hands for gang symbols    

Social 

(External)

• Change in friends

• Hanging out with older individuals 

• Spending time with criminal or gang involved peers   

• Driving run down cars to sell drugs 

• Frequent negative contact with the police   

If you know a child who is exhibiting any of the above risk factors, consider making a referral to the Children and Youth At-Risk Table (CHART). CHART is a network of Surrey-based service providers that meet weekly to implement tailored intervention plans in order to support at-risk young people and their families.