Two juveniles and one adult suspected of being gang members were arrested in Newhall Monday after detectives found a loaded firearm and gang graffiti nearby, officials said.

The COBRA (Career Offenders Burglary Robbery Apprehension) Unit at the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station, along with a probation officer from Los Angeles County, conducted a juvenile criminal suppression detail on Monday.

“The COBRA Unit at Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station not only investigates juvenile-related crimes and gang activity, but also proactively patrols to get a step ahead of crime and send a message to potential offenders that we’re watching,” reads a statement issued by the station Friday.

The mission of the detail included identifying juveniles involved or associated with gangs, and “holding them accountable for any engagement in criminal activity,” according to officials.

During their enforcement, COBRA officials were patrolling a business complex parking lot on the 24800 block of Railroad Avenue when they made contact with two male juveniles and one male adult suspected of being gang members.

“Detectives located gang graffiti and a loaded firearm in the vicinity next to the two juveniles,” the statement reads. “After further investigation, evidence led to the detainment of the two juveniles on charges of unlawful possession of a firearm. The male adult in the company of the juveniles was arrested for parole violation.”

Officials say that more proactive patrol deployments are planned for the near future, as gangs have become a “growing concern” in the community.

“As a community member, there are steps that you can take to help us,” the statement reads. “Please continue to keep an eye out for any suspicious activity, and report it to our station. If you see suspected gang activity in your neighborhood, you can call our station at (661) 255-1121, and request a patrol check.”

Deputies with the Santa Clarita Valley Sheriff’s Station have given several tips for concerned parents to help keep juveniles out of gang activity:

• Meet your children’s friends. Find out who they are, and how they and your children spend their free time.
• Help occupy your children’s free time. Give them responsibilities at home. Encourage them to be involved in after-school sports or city recreational activities.
• Develop good communication and spend time with your children.
• Don’t allow your children to stay out late or spend a lot of unsupervised time on the streets.

“Our deputies and detectives are dedicated to keeping your neighborhood safe, and with your help and continued partnership, we can create even stronger, safer communities for your families, and ours,” the statement reads.

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