The actions taken by apartment tenants last weekend to keep alleged gang members from tagging their mailboxes may not have been what law enforcement officers would recommend, but we applaud them for taking action.
The message they sent goes to the very heart of the solution for the city's gang problem " intolerance of gang members and the blight they bring to our city.
It's been stated on several occasions that the city is at a crossroads on the gang issue. Depending on what residents decide, the problem will either grow worse or, through collective resistance, we'll take back our neighborhoods.
In the incident last weekend, tenants heard a spray paint can rattling and saw five dark figures. They yelled at the group and chased them away. Allegedly, two of the group returned later and fired several shots. Those alleged gang members were trying to set an example, but it is our hope that residents follow through and help prosecutors obtain a conviction. That's the type of example we really need right now.
And we hope other residents will be undeterred in their intolerance of crime as well. You needn't feel unsafe ... just call 911 if you witness a crime. And remember, the Secret Witness Program will pay up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of people who commit crimes. Call 322-4900 ... you can remain anonymous.
This editorial represents the view of the Nevada Appeal Editorial Board.
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