Crime Prevention : Safety Tips

Warning signs for parents of the several possible gang involvement indicators:

• Changes in manner of dress (child always wears the same colours).
   
• Use of nicknames.
   
• Dropping old friends and activities and making new ones.
   
• Use of slang.
   
• Possession of unexpectedly large sums of money, jewellery and new clothing.
   
• Possession of weapons.
   
• Tattoos.
   
• Can't account for their whereabouts when asked.
   
• Truancy.
   
• Mood swings and the use of hand signs and graffiti.

What parents can do:

• Know where your child is at all times.
   
• Enforce a curfew.
   
• Check for weapons and drugs in your child's bedroom.
   
• Form a neighbourhood watch programme in your area.
   
• Show affection and support for your child, or a gang will.
   
• Develop some type of responsibility in your child.
   
• Don't always point out your child's failures.
   
• Make them feel good about themselves.
   
• If your child is doing poorly at school, understand that it could be your fault.
   
• Become more active in school functions.
   
• Take a strong stand against gangs.
   
• Show love to your child.
   
• Keep an open line of communication with your child, and at all costs notify the local police of any rumours of upcoming gang violence.

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