You can see folks in the area with a variety of tattoos on their body as you walk around. Certain tattoos are merely artistic expressions on the person, but others might suggest gang membership.
America is seeing an increase in gang activity that extends beyond big cities like New York or Los Angeles and into our own small villages. It is essential to know the warning signs of gang membership and how to avoid them in order to protect the people we care about. Tattoos are a common way for gangs to advertise their membership and dominance over territory.
Gang tattoos can take many different forms, and each has a unique meaning. Getting acquainted with these tattoos can be very helpful in guaranteeing your security. The following list of typical gang tattoos to be wary of:
1. “14” or “88” tattoo: Members of the Neo-Nazi Aryan Brotherhood frequently have these numerals tattooed on them. This represents ties to a big jail gang.
2. Spiderweb Tattoo: Usually seen on the elbow, this tattoo is frequently seen on those who have served a significant period of time in jail or prison and have since joined a gang as a means of protection.
3. Teardrop Tattoo: Depending on the gang, this tattoo has different meanings. It usually refers to a murder carried out on the gang’s behalf.
4. The “Three Dots” tattoo represents a gang lifestyle of “mi vida loca,” or “my crazy life.” Those who have this tattoo are not part of any specific gang.
5. Five-Dot Tattoo: Compared to a three-dot tattoo, a five-dot tattoo is more harsh and indicates a lengthy prison sentence.
6. “MS” Tattoo: Often seen on the bodies of its members, this tattoo is connected to the infamous MS-13 gang, which was established by immigrants from El Salvador. Members of MS-13 are infamous for attacking innocent people at random.
You may contribute to your family’s safety and safeguard your own safety by being aware of these gang tattoos. It’s advisable to keep your distance if you see someone sporting any of these tattoos. Increased gang strength as a result of recent efforts like “defund the police” makes it more difficult for law enforcement to tackle rising crime rates. It is more important than ever to remain watchful and aware of any indications of gang activity. Your attentiveness may even save lives.
Gangs are vicious groups that aim to have total control over the lives of their constituents. You would be better off avoiding them completely given the risks involved. Keep everyone safe, including yourself and your loved ones. Be careful!