NewsChannel5.com | Nashville News, Weather & SportsGang Activity Increasing In Franklin

Gang Activity Increasing In Franklin

FRANKLIN, Tenn. - Franklin police said they have noticed an increase in the amount of gang activity within the city.

Some neighborhoods are taking steps to keep gangs out of their areas.

Police said gangs have existed in the area for quite sometime.

Most of them are juveniles are young adults either affiliated with organized gangs or loose groups.

Residents in neighborhoods such as Sullivan Farms have formed a Neighborhood Watch group.

"It's a concern for me as a homeowner and as a parent," said Colleen Lowe.

Detective Charles Warner said gang presence and activity is increasing as the city grows.

"We are definitely aware that it is out there," Warner said.

Franklin police are working with the Federal Bureau of Investigation and other law enforcement agencies to crack down on gangs.

"We do everything we can to stay on top of it, to combat it, and to have a tough stance on criminal activity in the city," he said.

Neighborhood Watch organizers in Sullivan Farms have already recruited 33 block captains who will now take a five-week training course from the police department. The first class begins Wednesday night.

"We've got a safe neighborhood now and our main goal is to keep it safe and we feel like the best way we can do that is to go ahead and co-opt the people who live here to be our best chance," Lowe said.