What do the numbers sometimes found in gang graffiti mean?
Part of the language of gangs includes the use of numbers as symbols or numbers that correspond to letters of the alphabet. It provides a kind of shorthand or code for gangs. For example, the numbers 1-26 correspond with the letters of the alphabet. 15-11-2 would mean OKB (Oriental Killer Boys). 2-11 would mean BK (Blood Killer), a sign of the Crips. The number 5 always refers to the People Nation (i.e., the 5 pointed star symbol). The number 6 always refers to the Folk Nation (i.e., the 6 pointed star symbol). Frequently, area codes are used to identify gangs: 209 area code for Fresno 415 area code for San Francisco 612 area code for central Minnesota Another number you may frequently see is 187 the police code for murder. You may also see the use of dots by Hispanic and Asian gangs. Frequently, these identifiers are found in the web of the hand, on the back of the hand or between the fingers. They are often in groups of three and may mean one of the following: Mi Vida Loco (My crazy
