Gang activity is a community plague known from coast to coast.

The dangerous criminal behavior can be tough to combat, so when authorities make inroads, we all should be encouraged.

Such was the case with a string of arrests that stemmed from the gang-related beating of Adam Rosas, 18, in December at H and H Trailer Park. Work by local law enforcement led to 10 teenagers being charged in connection with the beating.

Just as importantly, the pursuit and prosecution of those involved sent a message to other gang members that this community is serious about stamping out gang activity by punks who see intimidation, assault and other violent crimes as a way of life.

Finney County Sheriff Kevin Bascue, who rightly pointed to the case as a sign of progress, wants to maintain that momentum in targeting other gang-related acts.

To that end, Bascue has requested additional funding to bolster the Finney County Sheriff's Office Street Gang Unit.

Citizens should be encouraged to know the sheriff is so serious about tackling gang activity that he told¬ county commissioners during a budget meeting that he'd shift more resources to his gang unit with our without additional funding for the coming year.

While he's correct to make that area a priority, the question is whether the community as a whole is getting the most out of all available resources in the city, county and beyond.

The notion of greater collaboration among agencies in addressing gang-related crime was touched on during a joint meeting Tuesday of the Finney County Commission, Garden City Commission and Holcomb City Council.

Garden City and Finney County gang units currently are separate, but cooperate. That's a good start.

When it comes to targeting gang activity, whether through prevention or enforcement, there's power in numbers. Enhanced cooperation could spur more innovative methods to eliminate gangs, and be more cost effective, which makes further discussion along those lines worthy of pursuit.

Gangs know no jurisdictional restrictions. Building on cooperation between local law enforcement and other area agencies holds the most promise of moving us closer to the day when we can say gang activity -- a problem we all share, regardless of where we live -- has been snuffed out for good.