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Livermore Police Step Up Gang Enforcement

LIVERMORE (KCBS)- Livermore police say they are taking proactive steps to get ahead of a recent increase in gang activity.

Workers have been busy painting over some of the gang tagging on local business. Livermore police say that over the past several months there has been an increase in gang-related crimes including vandalism, assaults and weapons violations.

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

"Unfortunately, due to recent events, and everything with the economy, we had to concentrate on calls for service and patrol, meaning that some of the officers who were only assigned to gang activity had to be reassigned during that time," said Livermore Police Lt. Matthew Sarsfield.

But now, Sarsfield said some officers will be refocused on gang members.

"We're hitting them from all sides," said Sarsfield. "And that's not only at schools, but also at probation, parole, other police departments and the community. So we're off to a good start so far."

Local parents say they're glad Livermore Police are taking steps now.

"We have a small community of people and we know all the parents, and all of the kids, so I don't worry about it at this age, but in high school it's going to be a concern," said one mother.

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