Street Gangs

What is a street gang? A street gang is a group of three or more people who have a common 'name' or 'identifying symbol' that form an alliance for a common criminal purpose which creates an atmosphere of fear and intimidation within a community. To learn more, download the Street Gang Fact Sheet.

inREACH: a street gang prevention project

In September 2009, the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council received $3.8 million from the National Crime Prevention Strategy for a collaborative project called inREACH. Its goal is to prevent street gangs by intervening with youth at risk of getting involved or those already involved with a gang.

Project partners include the Waterloo Region Crime Prevention Council, Waterloo Regional Police Service, ROOF, John Howard Society, Lutherwood and St. Mary's Counselling Services.

To learn more, download the Street Gang Project Overview.

New opportunities are within reach

The inREACH project offers a variety of support to youth involved with a gang or at risk of joining a gang. Areas of assistance

Neighbourhood intervention by way of mentoring and recreation is also being developed to help provide alternatives for youth at risk.

Visit the inREACH website to learn more.