<P> The United Nations estimates that gangs make most of their money through the drugs trade, they are thought to be worth $352 billion in total . The United States Department of Justice estimates there are approximately 30,000 gangs, with 760,000 members, impacting 2,500 communities across the United States . </P> <P> Gangs are involved in all areas of street - crime activities like extortion, drug trafficking, both in and outside the prison system and theft . Gangs also victimize individuals by robbery and kidnapping . Cocaine is the primary drug of distribution by gangs in America, which have used the cities Chicago, Cape Town, and Rio de Janeiro to transport drugs internationally . Brazilian urbanization has driven the drug trade to the favelas of Rio . Often, gangs hire "lookouts" to warn members of upcoming law enforcement . The dense environments of favelas in Rio and public housing projects in Chicago have helped gang members hide from police easily . </P> <P> Street gangs take over territory or "turf" in a particular city and are often involved in "providing protection", often a thin cover for extortion, as the "protection" is usually from the gang itself, or in other criminal activity . Many gangs use fronts to demonstrate influence and gain revenue in a particular area . </P> <P> Gang violence refers mostly to the illegal and non-political acts of violence perpetrated by gangs against civilians, other gangs, law enforcement officers, firefighters, or military personnel . Throughout history, such acts have been committed by gangs at all levels of organization . Modern gangs introduced new acts of violence, which may also function as a rite of passage for new gang members . </P>

What is the geographic territory claimed by a gang