A ?Suburban Gang Summit? was held Friday at Westchester Community College with a former Bloods member warning about the dangers of street gangs.

Police say street gangs are becoming more prevalent throughout the county and recruiting kids at a much younger age. The former gang member is now a father and told parents the importance of helping to keep their kids away from gangs. He says after school is an important time to keep children busy because that is when gangs are recruiting for new members.

The message of the summit was that communities need to do whatever it takes to get kids off the streets and give them positive options before it's too late.