Gang Threatens A Shreveport Neighborhood

Gangs are a common problem in communities all over the country. Residents in one Ark-La-Tex neighborhood say a new gang is gaining strength and gradually taking over their neighborhood. Some residents, however, say they`re ready to do whatever it takes to stop them. "They call themselves the Browning Street Melrose Street Boys," Paulette Kemp, a Browning street resident, said. "They have a gang of kids ranging from 14 to 18 years old," Kemp said. However, this is far from child`s play. "These kids have guns and everything." Over the past six months, residents of Browning St. in the Cedar Grove neighborhood of Shreveport say the boys have been vandalizing property and attacking children and adults. It`s a problem that just keeps getting worse. "If you call the police and they know it, they`re going to hurt you," Joe Brice, a Browning St. resident, said. We brought their concerns to the Shreveport Police Dept. Agent Ted Smith of the Gang Task Force says the first step is being alert. "Take all the information you can down such as how many kids are in the group, if they wear a certain color or numbers," Smith said. Smith also says a neighborhood watch could become the communities best weapon. "Without their eyes, there`s no way for us to solve most of these crimes," he said. Kemp says she and other residents are willing to do whatever it takes to protect their homes and their families. "I don`t want to move, I love my home," Kemp said. "I want to stay here,but then again, I want some peace." If you are concerned about crime in your community, alert your local police department. In Shreveport, you can call the Community Policing Unit at (318) 673-6950. Remember, you do not have to give your name or phone number when calling with a tip.