Omar Sharif, a former gang member in London, provides a detailed account of his involvement in gang activity from 2005 to 2011. He describes the structure of a gang, which includes younger members or "youths," middle management, and senior management. He emphasizes that the older members, who he admired, were not always in charge, but rather acted as middle management, controlling what gets moved in and out of the area, who's selling what on certain streets, managing money, and distributing it. These older members also have connections to the people at the top of the gang hierarchy.
Sharif also reveals that gangs make their money through various means, including drug sales, kidnappings, and hits. They often operate from places called trap houses or bandos, which are safe spots for the gang. When the police approach, the address to these locations is never texted or spoken over the phone, only verbally communicated.
He also discusses the concept of postcode wars, where rival gangs from different postcodes fight, and block wars, which are fights within the same postcode due to rivalry. He mentions that these wars often start because people become greedy or look for power. He notes that young people are often interested in joining a gang for money or a sense of belonging, and that they are often befriended and spoiled by the gang members to make them trust them.
Sharif explains that the UK has a system called county lines, where inner-city gangs operate in smaller towns, cities, and rural areas. They use young people for this, facilitated by the older members of the gang. He also mentions the influence of the US on the UK's gang scene, particularly through the drill music scene.
Sharif believes that social media plays a significant role in the rise of gang violence due to the exposure it provides. He emphasizes the importance of understanding the consequences of gang activity and providing opportunities for young people to keep them away from gangs. He suggests that the presence of youth centers, where rival gangs can come together and engage in activities like making music or playing sports, can help to reduce gang activity.
In the end, Sharif expresses concern about the future of gang culture in London, predicting that it will become even more embedded in society. He advises a community approach to reduce gang violence and activity, emphasizing that it requires a united front from all levels of society. He concludes his testimony by reflecting on his decision to leave the gang, stating that he had to make a choice between prison or being stabbed or ending up dead. He left the area where he was from and moved to a different area to protect his mental health.
Here are the key facts extracted from the text:
- The speaker's name is Omar Sharif and he was involved in gang activity in London from 2005 to 2011. (Fact 1)
- The structure of a gang is like a hierarchy with newbies, management, senior management and people above them. (Fact 2)
- The speaker got involved in a gang when he was 13 years old by selling sweets and drugs in school. (Fact 3)
- The main roles of the youngers are to hold, deliver and sell drugs and weapons, and to be on call for the olders. (Fact 4)
- The main roles of the olders are to control the distribution, money and connections of the gang, and to groom and recruit new members. (Fact 5)
- The people above the olders are often embedded in society and have legitimate businesses that are funded by the gang money. (Fact 6)
- The main ways that gangs make money are through kidnappings, hits and selling drugs from trap houses or bandos. (Fact 7)
- Gang wars can start over small or big things, such as insults, territory, greed or power. (Fact 8)
- Knives are more common than guns as weapons, and they are easy to source online or on social media. (Fact 9)
- Gangs are influenced by the US culture, such as rap music, drill music and Bloods versus Crips rivalry. (Fact 10)
- Gangs operate in smaller towns and rural areas through county lines or going OT, using young people as couriers. (Fact 11)
- The speaker left the gang after being stabbed and seeing people die, and he had to move out of the area and cut ties with his olders. (Fact 12)
- The speaker is now a mentor and a coach for young people and adults who want to make better decisions and understand their mindset. (Fact 13)