The Bloods and Crips, well-known gangs on the West Coast, are a growing concern for law enforcement in the Washington area.

Authorities say gang members are suspects in several crimes from Prince William County to Baltimore.

In Washington's Trinidad neighborhood, where police are battling an increase in violence this year, young people are wearing the Bloods' colors and flashing their hand signs. In Montgomery County, authorities have linked a shooting and three stabbings to a Bloods-Crips feud.

Bob Bermingham, gang prevention coordinator in Fairfax County, says in some cases, local crews are taking the Bloods' or the Crips' names to gain credibility. But Capt. Bill Lynn, of the Prince George's County police, says "wannabes" can be just as dangerous because they have something to prove.