Jason Reed / Reuters Government officials have said gang crime in Melbourne is keeping people from going out. Police say the large gang, described as African in appearance, are wanted over a series of robberies and assaults at the beach. The gang issue went relatively quiet for several months, with police claiming the gangs were a “non-entity” after leaders and key members were arrested and jailed. Reports peaked in 2016, when a group of young men of African descent dubbed the Apex gang sparked a round of street fighting during a Melbourne community festival. On social media, members of the African community pushed back by reclaiming the term “African gangs” with a hashtag showing how members of the African community are valuable, committed members of society.

Source: Huffington Post January 15, 2018 17:37 UTC