An elected official is pushing for new legislation that would toughen penalties for gang members who wreak havoc in the Bronx.
Assemblyman Peter Rivera (D-Bronx) has introduced a bill that would give gang members an additional two to five years for non-violent crimes like burglary. The measure also calls for 10 more years behind bars for violent crimes like murder.
Police say a gang called Locos recently beat up and stabbed a teen for riding his bike through their territory in Belmont. The Bronx District Attorney?s Office says gang-related crime continues to increase in the borough. Officials say the number has risen from a total of 618 in 2004 to 388 so far for 2006. Leaders believe more programs are needed to occupy children.