What is gang-related crime?

Gang-related crime refers to illegal activities carried out by organized groups that engage in criminal behavior as part of their structured affiliations. These activities often encompass a wide range of offenses, including drug trafficking, human trafficking, robbery, extortion, and violence against rival gangs or individuals. The key element defining gang-related crime is the involvement of a group that operates with a degree of organization and shared identity, often pursuing economic gain or territory.

This answer highlights the significance of organized groups in perpetuating crime, setting them apart from individual criminal activities or smaller, less structured offenses typically associated with petty crime. Moreover, law enforcement agencies often focus on gang-related activities due to their potential for greater harm to communities and the complexity of addressing crimes that extend beyond mere individual actions, emphasizing the structured nature of the criminal enterprises involved.