If you notice someone with eye-catching tattoos while walking in your neighborhood, remember that some tattoos can be linked to gangs. Gang activity isn’t just a big city issue anymore—it can happen in our own towns. It’s important to recognize signs of gang membership to keep ourselves and our loved ones safe.

Gang members often use tattoos to show their membership and control over an area. By learning to recognize these tattoos, we can better protect ourselves. Here are some common gang tattoos to watch out for:

– The Neo-Nazi Aryan Brotherhood members often have the numbers “14” or “88” tattooed on their bodies, indicating their connection to a large prison gang.

– A Spiderweb tattoo, typically found on the elbow, is often seen on those who have spent a long time in prison and joined a gang for protection.

– A Teardrop tattoo usually represents a murder committed for the gang, though its meaning can vary depending on the gang.

– The “Three Dots” tattoo symbolizes a gang lifestyle, translating to “my crazy life” or “my gang life.”

People with this tattoo aren’t linked to a specific gang. 

– A Five-Dot tattoo, more severe than a three-dot tattoo, signifies a long prison sentence.

– An “MS” tattoo is related to the notorious MS-13 gang, started by Salvadoran immigrants, known for attacking random people.

If you see someone with these tattoos, it’s best to keep your distance. With recent changes like “defund the police,” gangs are getting stronger, making it harder for police to control crime. Staying alert to signs of gang activity is more important than ever and could help save lives.