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Tonya Papanikolas Reporting The Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit says gang activity has been rising during the last month. Two vehicle fires this morning may have had gang ties.
As police investigate, they say they're seeing younger and older gang members.
Gang units say the majority of gang members are still 17-25 years old. But they're also starting to see members in their forties and older. Some of them are getting out of prison and returning to their old lifestyle.
They're also seeing second and third generation gang involvement now.
It's hard to even recognize this truck's steering wheel, pedals and rearview mirror. They were all melted when the truck caught fire overnight in West Valley.
Samantha Bullock, Resident: "It was definitely scary because it was so close to the house."
The Bullocks say a gas can found next to the vehicle was not theirs. West Valley police say they're looking into several leads, including the possibility the fire was gang-related.
Samantha Bullock, Resident: "It's scary because it just makes me think if they're going to do that, what else could they do? Start our house on fire next?"
A few hours earlier, a station wagon went up in flames at a Salt Lake home. Though unrelated to the other incident, fire investigators say it was intentionally set, possibly a gang retaliation that targeted the wrong person.
Lt. Del Craig, Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit: "It's been a very busy month for us in the gang unit."
Experts say the steady level of gang activity is beginning to change.
Lt. Del Craig, Salt Lake Metro Gang Unit: "We're seeing some increases in stolen cars, gang members in stolen cars. We've had some drug-related issues."
Increasing graffiti along the Wasatch Front is a telling indicator. It's a way of communicating between gangs.
Lt. Del Craig: "When they get together in a group, a gang, there is pressure to put it out, put out that word that the gang exists, that they are a member of that gang. It's kind of their way of advertising."
While gang units try to find out why gangs seem to be more active now, officers are working seven days a week to combat crimes, even conducting surveillance.
Lt. Del Craig: "Which can range from listening devices to following."
Officers are asking the public to report any graffiti they see that may be gang-related so gang units can document it and track those activities.
