ATF, Kirk, Lake County Partners

The NY Times has a front page story today on girls being victimized by gangs, with forced sex and killings. These girls are in Central America but I would think some of the same tragic abuse holds here too.

That's why it's good to hear that some practical steps have succeeded in Waukegan. After the announcement of the 10 most wanted gang members, authorities were flooded with tips from citizens, leading to arrests. Lake County News Sun this Tuesday:

The announcement was made by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, Lake County Sheriff Mark Curran and U.S. Rep. Mark Kirk, R-Highland Park, in Chicago on Monday.

"Cordale Handy just gave himself up after you guys ran the story," said Kirk, referring to the March 24 news conference where the "10 Most-Wanted Gang Members" were announced as part of a multijurisdictional crackdown on gangs and a way to raise the public profile of fugitive gang leaders.

"We were surprised," Kirk said of the quality of tips received by the police. "Not only did the tips come in, but they were accurate."

Curran was also a little surprised, but "people realize street gangs are a cancer in our society and they are only too happy to help.

Video at Rep. Kirk's site.