Gang Loitering Problems and how The Mosquito can help

Street gangs have been plaguing the United States and Canada for a very long time, disrupting communities, committing crime, spreading violence and engaging in all sorts of anti-social behavior, including vandalism and graffiti. Criminal groups have been part of history of Canada and the USA for thousands of years, however, it was only in late 1900’s when youth involvement in street gangs increased dramatically. Until 1980’s, youth gangs were mostly present in large urban cities in the US. However, since 1980’s youth gangs have been spreading to smaller cities and suburban areas. Youth gang numbers and memberships grew, and by 1995, they were found in all 50 states in the USA, with a presence in over 1,500 cities and 700 counties.

The average age range of modern street gang members is around 18 years old, with some members joining as early as 11 years old. Street gangs present many threats to communities, including gang loitering, which is conducive of criminal and dangerous activities, such as drug trafficking, violence, theft and prostitution.

Gang loitering can be defined as remaining in any one place under circumstances that would warrant a reasonable person to believe the purpose of that behavior is to establish control over identifiable areas, to intimidate others from entering those areas, or to conceal illegal activities. Citizens feel less safe and secure in areas where gang loitering occurs, which is why some municipalities have passed legislature, making gang loitering an offensive punishable by fines and prison terms.

Chicago was the first city to develop a gang loitering law in the US. Chicago’s Gang Congregation Ordinance was first passed in 1992, which is essentially a law that allowed police officers to arrest loitering gang members if they refused to disperse. This ordinance was responsible for 89,000 dispersal orders and 42,000 arrests, until it was overruled by US Supreme Court in 1999. But in 2000, the city passed a new and revised version of the Chicago Gang Loitering Ordinance.

However, despite anti-loitering laws, gang loitering remains a problem in communities. Until recently, there was no effective tool to combat gang loitering. Now with the help of the Mosquito, groups of youth gangs can be dispersed safely in minutes.

The sound of the Mosquito is heard best by youth between the ages of 13 – 25, which is the age range of the vast majority of street gang members. The Mosquito can be installed where gang loitering occurs, and programmed to be turned on when motion is detected. The Mosquito is a safe and effective way to disperse gatherings of street gang members without confrontation or having to call the police.

Please contact us to learn more about how The Mosquito can help solve your teenage loitering problems: info@movingsoundtech.com .