Gang activity surge causes concern
Old Motorcycle Gang increasing presence
GRANT COUNTY - Cameras are being bought to combat gang activity, according to the Grant County Sheriff's Office.
A meeting is set for Aug. 14 where a presentation about photographic equipment being purchased and used in areas where gang crime, graffiti, and neighborhood vandalism are occurring, Grant County Undersheriff John Turley stated.
"The new equipment is to enhance the patrol officer's ability to identify suspects and document vandalism to property hopefully making them more efficient," stated Turley.
Turley said gang related crimes are increasing and the public needs to be vigilant in reporting suspicious activity to help combat criminals.
He noted the shootings in Royal City, drive-by shootings in Mattawa, Beverly and Schawana areas and the continued presence of gang and street crime activity near Moses Lake, at the Larson housing and Upper Basin areas, as evidence of growing trouble.
"We are very concerned for the safety of county residents," he stated.
In addition to increasing Hispanic gangs, Turley said the sheriff's office has reason to believe there is an ever increasing presence of Old Motorcycle Gang (OMG) members in the Moses Lake, Soap Lake and Warden areas.
"Intelligence the sheriff's office has received indicates motorcycle gang activity, a recent push within the prison gang's of California to recruit new members, and an ever increasing economic down turn is contributing to the increase in theft, assault, burglary, and violent crimes against persons," Turley stated.
To help fight crime, the sheriff's office is reactivating the block watch program. Turley said the program helps communities share their knowledge of criminals and criminal activities with law enforcements.
"The block watch members in turn will act as intelligence filters so that law enforcement will be aware of who is committing crime," Turley stated.
The sheriff's office began program meetings with citizens from the Desert Aire Patrol, and the Lower Crab Creek Citizens Committee of the Beverly-Schawana area.