Officers note surge in gang-related crime

Saddled with the county's second largest population of gangs, Anaheim police told residents they are becoming increasingly burdened with calls of gang-related crimes. In a neighborhood crime prevention forum sponsored by Assemblyman Tom Umberg, D-Garden Grove, investigators told residents that they have identified between 35 and 40 gangs active in the city. "The numbers are growing, particularly in Anaheim," said Mike Aquino, gang prevention investigator. "Right now, we're overburdened and the problems are getting worse." Anaheim is believed to have the second largest population of gang members about 900. Only Santa Ana appears to have the highest number of gang members, Aquino said. The numbers don't include gang members who come from outside the city, many of whom are associated with Los Angeles gangs, Aquino said. Police formed the gang prevention unit early last year after noticing an upsurge in gang activity. The unit has made about 400 arrests, Aquino said. Parents can take the first step in keeping their children out of gangs, he said. Often, parents don't know what their children are doing and are shocked to learn that they are involved with gangs, Aquino a"Keep in tune with your kids and know who their friends are," he advised parents. "Keep them occupied ... If it takes being the unpopular parent, maybe that's what it makes these days."