Gangs Get a Bad Name
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There are now more than 30，000 gang members across England and Wales and gang-related crimes cost the country billions of pounds a year.
There is nothing wrong with belonging to a gang. Gangs can be a focal point for friendships and support， and a context within which to learn important social and life skills. The sense of belonging that being part of a group can give can be a positive and a comforting thing.
Unfortunately， the number of gangs who are turning to crime—particularly in more deprived[貧困的] parts of the UK—are now giving gang culture a very bad name.
Why has gang culture become such a scar on society today？
The growth of criminal gang culture is often put down to the following issues：
A lack of facilities for young people， leaving teenagers bored and more likely to get into trouble.
The breakdown of the family unit and a lack
of good male role models.
Social deprivation.
A lack of discipline at home and school， and of soft punishments metered out by the courts.
Peer pressure and the fear of the consequences for not belonging to a gang.
Many young people say they like being in a gang because it gives them a thrill， a sense of safety， of power， excitement and acceptance.