As students prepare to return to school in British Columbia, parents are being cautioned to be vigilant for potential signs of gang recruitment targeting young individuals.
Kathleen Hughes, a career counsellor at Progressive Intercultural Community Services (PICS), highlighted the concerning trend, stating that gangs are increasingly targeting youths as young as 13 years old. Hughes emphasized the importance of early intervention to prevent youth from getting involved in gang activities.
Metro Vancouver Crimestoppers has issued a warning to parents, noting that gangs are actively seeking new recruits as the school year commences. Linda Annis, the executive director at Metro Vancouver Crime Stoppers, explained that vulnerable youths, including those who may not fit in with other groups or are newcomers to Canada, are at higher risk of being targeted by gangs.
Organizations like PICS are running multi-agency programs focused on preventing youth gang violence. They advise families to be observant of any unusual signs, such as unexplained expensive gifts, that could indicate potential gang involvement.
The KidsPlay Foundation is also working to steer young individuals away from dangerous lifestyles through educational presentations. Kal Dosanjh, Founder and CEO of KidsPlay Youth Foundation, shared insights from a former gang member, highlighting the tactic of preying on vulnerable children from challenging family backgrounds.
To combat this issue, parents are urged to report any suspicious activities to local law enforcement during the upcoming school year. PICS and KidsPlay Foundation are dedicated to collaborating with youths on early intervention strategies to deter them from drugs, gangs, and criminal activities.