BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- Statistics show gang-related homicides are skyrocketing, leaving some community members to suggest we are losing the fight against gang violence.

"Oh man, it's a mess out there. They're at a loss for words. The community is broken, particularly those affected in a direct way," said Wesley Davis of the Wendell Davis Foundation

Bakersfield Police Department said just halfway through this year, the number of gang related homicides is at 14, twice the amount compared to all of last year. Not only that but of the 16 homicides this year, 14 of those are gang related.

Davis said gang violence has shifted from a trend of targeted victims to senseless, random killings.

"You think of the situation on T Street. It was a family reunion. None of the shooters had ever laid eyes on the victims before. My son's killing was the same case."

But BPD said the killings are more calculated than that.

"Most of the time there's a relationship between the person who is struck or those near them and the shooter or gang," Lt. Joe Mullins

Davis said all that could be prevented with more patrol in high risk areas especially during specific times and days.

"I remember when I was a gang member in the streets police presence was heavy and you couldn't walk a block without seeing a couple police cruisers. We've gotten away from that and I don't know why. People are losing their lives," said Davis.

BPD said they can't add any more manpower on the streets due to budget problems but have all their officers deployed all the time, with the gang unit as top priority.

"This is a community struggle against violence and its going to continue to go on. The community has to deal with gang violence and approach it from that way. Not as a war a bunch of soldiers will solve," said Mullins.

BPD said the community can take action and regain control of their streets by calling the gang tip line at 325-GANG.

You can anonymously report gang violence, activity and what you know without fear.

Davis also recommends parents take a more active role in their teenager's life to deter gang involvement.

You can also contact the Wendell Davis Foundation for gang intervention at 829-2038.