If you spot someone with striking tattoos while strolling through your neighborhood, keep in mind that some of these tattoos might be connected to gangs. Gang activity isn’t just a big city problem anymore—it can occur in our own towns. It’s crucial to identify signs of gang membership to protect ourselves and our friends and family.
Gang members frequently use tattoos to display their affiliation and dominance over a territory. By learning how to recognize these tattoos, we can better safeguard ourselves. Here are some common gang tattoos you should be aware of:
– The Neo-Nazi Aryan Brotherhood often has the numbers “14” or “88” inked on their skin, showing their link to a major prison gang.
– A Spiderweb tattoo, usually located on the elbow, is commonly seen on individuals who have spent significant time in prison and joined a gang for safety.
– A Teardrop tattoo typically signifies a murder committed for the gang; however its meaning can differ based on the group.
– The “Three Dots” tattoo represents a lifestyle associated with gangs, meaning “my wild life” or “my gang life.” People with this tattoo aren’t tied to any specific group.
– A Five-Dot tattoo is more serious than three dots and indicates a lengthy prison sentence.
– An “MS” tattoo relates to the infamous MS-13 gang, which was formed by Salvadoran immigrants known for attacking random individuals.
If you encounter someone sporting these tattoos, it’s wise to maintain your distance. With recent changes like “defund the police,” gangs are becoming stronger making it tougher for law enforcement to manage crime. Staying vigilant about signs of gang activity is more important than ever and could help save lives.
