Full Notification

The Livermore Police Department has responded to an increase of gang activity and gang-related crime over the last several months. The type of gang related crimes include: vandalisms, graffiti, and assaults with weapons.

Due to the increase in gang activity, the department has assigned officers and supervisors to proactively address the gang problems. The police department has taken a zero tolerance stance against all gang related criminal activity and officers have already made a great deal of progress. Officers are conducting high profile patrolling of known gang areas; contacting, identifying, and documenting potential gang members; conducting probationary compliance checks; and attempting to remove graffiti as quickly as possible. Currently, our enforcement efforts in the past two weeks have resulted in the identification and arrests of 14 gang offenders. Some of these arrests are a result of criminal investigations stemming from recent crimes.

Listed are a few of the associated gang case numbers which resulted in arrests:

Date occurred: 1/10/2011 Date of arrest: 1/16/2011
Area: N. Oak Street
Case Number: 11-000247
Crime: Felony Vandalism

Date: 1/11/2011
Area: N. Oak Street
Case Number: 11-000273
Crime: Weapons Violation

Date: 1/12/2011
Area: Dolores St. @ Cabrillo Ave.
Case Number: 11-000294
Crime: Possession (drugs) for sales / Weapons violation

Date: 1/21/2011
Area: Chestnut @ I Street
Case Number: 11-000525
Crime: Weapons violation.

We would also like to involve the community in our efforts to address gang related incidents.

Currently, the prominent Livermore gangs are the Surenos and the Nortenos. Sureno gang members wear variations of blue clothing and associate with the number 13. Some examples of Sureno gang graffiti are; “SSR, LSL, Sur, Chestnut, and XIII.” Sureno gang members are primarily Hispanic.

Norteno gang members wear various items of red clothing and associate with the number 14. Examples of Norteno gang graffiti are; “LVM, Winos, Norte, and XIV.” Norteno gang members are primarily Hispanic; however, in Livermore we have identified members from many races.

Norteno and Sureno gangs have been in the City of Livermore for decades, with little acts of violence between the two. Unfortunately, a trend was identified several years ago that showed Southern California gang members moving north.

Recent investigations revealed that our “active” gang membership (those who are currently committing crimes in furtherance of a street gang) is relatively low. We believe the same group of 10 -15 members on each side (Sureno and Norteno) are responsible for most, if not all, of Livermore’s gang-related crime.

The Livermore Police Department needs the assistance of the public. Citizens are encouraged to report any suspected gang activity. If suspected gang members are congregating or involved in criminal activity call LPD Dispatch (925) 371-4987 (non-emergency). If the incident is life-threatening call 911 (emergency). Please provide as much information as possible, to include:

1. Clothing descriptions and number of individuals involved.
2. Vehicle descriptions and license plate numbers.
3. Weapons involved, if any.
4. Location and or the direction the group is moving.

If you have any questions regarding Livermore gangs or would like to provide gang information, contact Sergeant K. Santin, Officer D. Blake or Officer A. Grajeda.

CONTACT PERSONS: Sgt. K. Santin

PHONE NUMBER: 925 371-4825