Editorial: Look for gang activity

Published 12:00 am Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Albert Lea is a regional center. It is large enough to have many amenities but small enough to feel secure.

Even so, it&8217;s no reason for complacency. We think people should be on the lookout for gang activity.

Don&8217;t be alarmed. Albert Lea remains a safe, secure place, but there is no denying that gangs have found their way to cities in greater Minnesota.

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The Star-Tribune had a story in Monday&8217;s edition that highlighted the problem. It told of a case involving drug trafficking and firearms violations in Faribault by a Minneapolis street gang. Authorities quoted in the story said they fear gangs in the Twin Cities see smaller towns as fertile ground to expand their drug-peddling operations.

Being a little farther away from the Twin Cities than Faribault &8212; and other midsize towns barely outside the metro area such as St. Cloud &8212; is a plus for Albert Lea.

Our point, however, is that it is a good idea to keep a watch for gangs and gang activity regardless how safe things seem. Gangs are here but just not as visible or as active as in larger cities. Be sure to report anything suspicious to authorities, even if it is just graffiti.

One reason cities like Albert Lea are safe and secure is that people are neighborly. Part of being neighborly is looking out for each other.