The 5 Most Dangerous Gangs In California: Some Exist In Colorado

While we have our share of gang violence in Colorado, our friends to the west of us in California have it way worse. While they have over 6,000 active gangs there, these five are the most dangerous, with most also existing in Colorado.

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What Are The Worst Gangs In California?

I was born and raised in Colorado, but my family and I spend quite a bit of time each year in California. Since we pretty much hang in the Anaheim and Santa Ana area where we have family, we weren't too familiar with just how bad the gang problem was in our second favorite state. It's far worse than what we deal with in Colorado.

While digging a bit, I came across TarrantCares.com, which schooled me on just how bad the gangs are... They state that California has roughly 300,000 gang members throughout more than 6,000 local gangs. And yes, you guessed it, some of these gangs are also in parts of Colorado.

While not to bore you with 6,000 different gangs, Ranker.com helped us narrow down some of the most dangerous gangs in California, with some of them also in Colorado, that you should know about.

The 18th Street Gang

The largest gang in the LA area is the 18th Street Gang. Created back in the 1960s near 18th Street and Union in LA, Ranker.com reports that they have 15,000 members just in LA. (Scroll down for more on the 18th Street Gang)

West Coast Bloods

More famously known as just "Bloods," formed by men looking to protect against the crips, the BLoods now have close to 20,000 members nationwide, with roughly have of them located in the LA area per Ranker.com. Bloods are located all over Colorado as well. (Scroll down for more on the Bloods)

Crips

Can't have the Bloods in LA, without the Crips. Founded in the 60s in LA, they are now more than double the size of their red rival. There are roughly 50,000 members nationwide, including California, and you guessed it, Colorado. (Scroll down for more on the Crips)

38th Street Gang

Created back in the 1929s in South Central LA, the 38th Street Gang was more known for selling drugs on 38th Street in LA. According to Ranker.com, at one point LA shut down many streets around 38th Street to try and battle the mass amounts of people going there to purchase drugs.

Sureños

Originated in Southern California, the Sureños, which is Spanish for "Southern," are related gangs in tribute to the Mexican Mafia. While their heaviest presence is felt in California, they're a nationwide gang that also has a presence in Nevada, Arizona, Texas, Colorado, and more. (Scroll down for more on the Sureños)

While gang activity in Colorado is felt more in certain towns and areas throughout the state, their presence can be felt statewide. Below, Townsquare Media fellow content creator, Chris Cardenas, has put together a little more information about these extremely dangerous gangs.