Gangs increasing in Grand Strand, Pee Dee

Gangs are becoming more of a problem in the Grand Strand, Pee Dee, and across the state.

Campus public safety leaders from across the southeast went home Thursday with more insight on what to watch for.

FBI Special Agent, Robert Waizenhofer, educates people about graffiti, tattoos, and colorful signs that usually point out gang members.

“Its roots started in local gangs here years ago that surrounded themselves with drug trafficking.  And now, it has developed into gangs that have national ties,“ Waizenhofer said.

For Police Chief, Howard Cook, he’s concerned about safety not only in the community, but on college campuses.  He’s also President of the South Carolina Campus Law Enforcement Agency.

“We understand that gangs don’t have any boundaries.  They’re not going to stay in one state or city.  They’re going to rotate place to place.  And we want to be ready for them if they come to our South Carolina campuses,“ Howard said.

“We’ve got groups like MS-13, and Bloods, and Crips, and things you might affiliate with something in a state, maybe a New York or somewhere, but we have the same problems right here.  They move around, they have family in different areas, and we’ve got the same issues that they’re dealing with up North.“

“You have national gangs that have moved into this area; both of African-American origin and of Hispanic origin in these counties over this way.  And they’re going to be a problem,“ Waizenhofer added.

Waizenhofer also says they’re working with local police departments to focus on this growing problem, and the potential for violent crime.