A NEW GANG RISES

They call themselves the Empire Gang, and they are the next
up-and-coming criminal gang in the Lower Mainland, one that is
expanding from its base in Langley into Aldergrove, Surrey,
Abbotsford, Vancouver, White Rock and Delta.

Supt. Dan Malo, head of B.C.'s Integrated Gang Task Force, called the
new group "the next Red Scorpions" during a speech to the Greater
Langley Chamber of Commerce.

Members identify themselves through tattoos, including the word
Empire, scrawled across the insides of their wrists, Malo said.

The Empire Gang has drawn up its own "rules of engagement," which list
what is expected of members and the consequences of breaking those
rules.

It's a bid to become a more organized, mature organization, Malo
said.

"The Red Scorpions, three years ago, were what (the Empire Gang) is
today," Malo said.

"They're trying to grow up. The Red Scorpions grew up and a number of
people were killed."

Last year, there were 21 murders in the Lower Mainland, 14 of them
were gang related, Malo said.

This year there have been seven murders. Of those, four are considered
to be gang related.

People aren't as worried as they should be, said Malo.

The emerging trend of "grow rips," where criminals break into
marijuana grow-ops and steal cash, weapons and drugs, should concern
everyone, he said, because of the level of violence associated with
them.

Gang members use drug rip kits, containing bullet-proof vests, bear
spray - "and they're nowhere near going hiking" - and batons, among
other weapons to steal from one another.

"There has been a spike in grow rips and we're trying to figure out
why," Malo said.

At the same time, the number of home invasions has risen
sharply.

It's happening, he said, because "there is jewelry, money or drugs
behind that door."