Investigating the Environmental Condition of Net Café – Den of Gangs

• In Event: Gang Offending, Victimization, and Comparison

Abstract

Violent crime has long been a problem in the City of San Bernardino. Increasing violent crime rates is believed to be driven by gang activities and a proliferation of illegal firearms (i.e., ghost guns) and drugs, compounded by limited law enforcement resources due to financial and personnel constraints. Gang-related incidents in the city now involve illicit gambling establishments known as “net cafés". These facilities are a source of supply for illegal firearms and illegal narcotics and protected and run by gang members. They are difficult to locate, often posing as legitimate businesses within the community. The present study aims to examine spatial distribution of violent crimes in relation to location of net cafés, identify risk factors for emergence of net cafés, and determine the impact of crackdown on net cafés on violent crimes in surrounding areas. In addition to spatial analysis of violent crime and net café, systematic observation of the net café locations will be performed to gain insights into their environmental setting.

Author

• Shuryo Fujita, California State University, San Bernardino