Mocobizscene- In Colorado, we do experience some gang violence, but compared to our neighbors in California, it pales in comparison. The state of California is home to over 6,000 active gangs, and out of those, there are five that stand out as the most dangerous. Interestingly, most of these notorious gangs also have a presence in Colorado.
What Are The Worst Gangs In California?
I grew up in Colorado, but my family and I often visit California, particularly the Anaheim and Santa Ana area, where we have relatives. However, we were not fully aware of the extent of the gang issue in our beloved second home state. It is considerably more severe than the gang problems we encounter in Colorado.
During my research, I stumbled upon TarrantCares.com, a website that provided me with valuable insights into the severity of gang activity. According to their information, there are approximately 300,000 gang members spread across over 6,000 local gangs in California. Interestingly enough, some of these gangs have also made their presence known in certain areas of Colorado.
Ranker.com has helped narrow down a list of some of the most dangerous gangs in California and Colorado that you should be aware of. With over 6,000 different gangs, we have selected a few notable ones to highlight.
The 18th Street Gang
The 18th Street Gang holds the title for being the largest gang in the LA area. According to Ranker.com, it was established in the 1960s near the intersection of 18th Street and Union in LA. Their presence is significant, with an estimated 15,000 members in LA alone. (For further information on the 18th Street Gang, continue scrolling.)
West Coast Bloods
The Bloods, also known as “Bloods,” were originally formed by men seeking protection against the crips. According to Ranker.com, this notorious gang has nearly 20,000 members across the country, with approximately half of them residing in the Los Angeles area. Additionally, the Bloods have a significant presence in Colorado. Continue reading to learn more about this influential gang.
Crips
The Crips, an integral part of the Bloods’ presence in LA, were established in the 1960s. Today, their numbers exceed those of their red-clad counterparts, making them the larger of the two groups. With a membership of approximately 50,000 members across the United States, including California and even Colorado, the Crips have expanded their influence far beyond their origins.
38th Street Gang
The 38th Street Gang, which originated in South Central LA in the 1920s, gained notoriety for its involvement in drug trafficking on 38th Street in LA. Ranker.com reports that the authorities took drastic measures by closing down several streets in the vicinity of 38th Street in an attempt to combat the overwhelming number of individuals flocking there to buy drugs.
Sureños
The Sureños, meaning “Southern” in Spanish, are gangs that originated in Southern California as a tribute to the Mexican Mafia. Although they have a strong presence in California, they are a nationwide gang with members in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and other states.
Gangs in Colorado have a significant impact and can be felt throughout the state, although their influence may be more pronounced in specific towns and areas. Our Townsquare Media colleague, Chris Cardenas, has compiled some additional details about these highly dangerous gangs.
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