KMPH Fox 26 Central San Joaquin Valley News Source in Fresno, California Entertainment, News, Sports and Weather | Going After the Women to Crack Down on Gangs in Fresno

Going After the Women to Crack Down on Gangs in Fresno

By: Ariana Duarte & Ashley Ritchie

Fresno is no stranger to gang enforcement and prevention. But those heading up the new anti-gang campaign say they're now trying to get the attention of the people gang members care most about:  the women in their lives.

U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott commends Fresno officials for their continued efforts to crack down on gang activity. But he says now, the focus needs to turn to prevention.

"Let's stop it before the young person ever gets there and then we have to deal with the crimes that are committed on the back end," U.S. Attorney McGregor Scott said.

To do that, Scott unveiled a new statewide anti-gang campaign that targets the people gang members hold closest to their heart.

"The mothers, the girlfriends, the wives the sisters Mark Astone, Campaign partner, said.

New radio and TV spots aim to hit an emotional chord with the women in a gang member's life, specifically mothers; urging them to reach out before it's too late.

"It is a message that needs to be sent to families. It needs to be sent to kids that really there's only two places that the gang lifestyle leads to and that is either prison or death," Fresno Police Chief Jerry Dyer said.

The campaign provides a phone number to call to report someone suspected of being involved in gang activity.

Fresno County Sheriff Margaret Mims says she hopes the new efforts will encourage those closest to gang members to get out of denial, step up to the plate, and possibly save a life.

"Not only do you have control, you have a responsibility. If there's graffiti in your child's bedroom, on their schoolbooks, on their clothing. If their wearing gang attire, you're child's involved in a gang," Mims said.

Fresno police say similar campaigns have led to nearly 2,000 tips and more than 800 arrests.