GLOUCESTER, England, Aug. 7 (UPI) -- Police in Gloucester, England, said they are targeting gangs in rural areas that have members as young as 11 years old.
Authorities have identified 150 youth who are allegedly members of organized criminal groups, police said. Five or six gangs are believed to be active in Gloucester.
Inspector Neil Smith, head of the Avenger task force formed to tackle the problem, said the issue is not as acute as it is in cities, and there is no violence between the gangs.
But gang leaders in their 20s are ruling young boys and leading them in wrong direction, he told The Guardian.
The gangs are easily able to recruit members because the children are looking for a feeling of belonging, Smith said. All 150 identified members had a previous link with agencies such as social services.
The task force is working with schools and youth workers and hopes to intervene when a child exhibits the warning signs of wanting to join a gang.
"Society as a whole must stand up and let youngsters in the city know that this isn't a cool way of life or one that leads to respect or riches," Smith said.
