Young street group

These groups can be described as being similar to Gangs and will share some of the same characteristics. The main difference is that the levels or criminal activity or violence will be lower, and that groups are less durable; groups may form or coalesce relatively quickly and will often disassemble, whereas Gangs are more defined and maintain an identity for a longer period of time.

A young street group is defined as a 'a predominantly street-based group of young people (under 25) who:

• see themselves (and are seen by others) as a discernible group
• engage in criminal activity including violence

They may also have any or all of the following features:

• operate in a defined geographical area
• have some form or identifying structural feature
• may conflict with other, similar, groups

The difference in the definition demonstrates progression from a 'young street group' which tends to not be durable or involved in repeated serious violence, to a 'gang' where a more robust 'pursue' approach is required with certain key members.

They may also have any or all of the following factors:

• identify with or lay claim over territory
• have some form of identifying structural feature
• are in conflict with other, similar, groups