Gang Identification: Bloods

Do you know what a gang member looks like? Would you recognize him or her on the street?

Knowing what markings, colors, and graffiti tags look like is the first step to identifying activity in your neighborhood. For information on the types of gangs in Richland County, see this story. For markers on the Folk Nation, check here. 

One of the better-known gangs in the US is the Bloods, but they're one of the least popular in South Carolina. 

According to Gangs or Us, the Bloods formed in California as a rival the Crips. Their color is red, used to represent blood, though some sets use rust colored clothing to identify dried blood. 

Their graffiti is also done in red. Bloods frequently use a different "alphabet" that they have used to disguise their graffiti. 

Other symbols adopted by the Bloods include the Pittsburg Pirates, Columbia Knights and Calvin Klein. Note that both Columbia Knights and Calvin Klein are used for the C and K as it could represent "Crip Killer." 

The code 013 is also used by the Bloods to tell other members to assault someone. 

While all people using these symbols are not in gangs--particularly wearing red--you should contact authorities immediately if you do suspect gang activity in your area.