Gang activity affecting Wayne County Published April 25, 2007 By Senior Airman Micky Bazaldua 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- The Office of Special Investigations will be giving their first gang awareness briefing to members of Team Seymour April 27. There will be one at 9 a.m. for commanders, first sergeants and supervisors, and one at 2 p.m. for all other base personnel at the base theater. Prior to last summer, gang activity was not thought to be a problem here, but recently, there has been a rise in activity. According to Agent Gerard Tart, OSI Special Agent, there is a huge gang problem in surrounding Greene County, Fayetteville, Durham and Wilmington that is affecting Goldsboro and Wayne County. With the current rise in the local and surrounding areas, OSI feels it is crucial to notify members of Team Seymour to keep not only themselves, but families and friends aware and as safe as possible. OSI hopes this briefing will show everyone what to look for when they see changes in people, whether it is behavioral or even parents noticing a new tattoo on their children that is questionable or could be gang related. The recent gang activity here has also caused the Goldsboro Police Department and the Wayne County Sherriff's Office to set up gang offices locally. The offices meet with OSI on a weekly basis to exchange information that can be beneficial in the fight against gangs. "This is a huge problem," said Agent Tart. "They are not well-organized, but it will not take long. If you see any activity happening, do not get involved. They are violent. Be as good a witness as you can be with your eyes and ears."