BOSTON -- In some countries, the machete is an indispensable tool used for cutting brush, but some Massachusetts police are seeing the machete being used by local gangs as a tool of intimidation and they are working to get them off the streets.

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Amalia Barreda Reports On Machete Concerns

NewsCenter Five's Amalia Barreda reported that at the Chelsea police station Monday, machetes, seized primarily from Hispanic gang members the past year, covered a table. Police say the cultural tool is now the latest weapon of choice and is often hidden in baggy clothing.

"You see the big, heavy sweatshirts. Depending on the size of the kid, something (like a machete) could have a wrap around belt to hold it right in. Walking right down the street like nothing until it's time to use it. And then, it comes right out," said Chelsea police Capt. Brian Kyes.

Kyes said machetes are not regulated by law because they are considered tools, not weapons.

The machete problem is not Chelsea's alone -- East Boston, Lynn and Somerville are also grappling with it.

Community activists in Chelsea say they are doing what they can to fight back.

"My reaction, in terms of the machete situation, is devastating," Hispanic activist Gladys Vega said.

Vega believes it takes a village to raise a child, and has worked to partner businesses with more than 200 high-risk children to give them jobs and provide adult mentors.

"We're telling the youth that we believe in them; we're providing resources for them. So what is the answer here? For me, the answer is that we cannot say that the youth issue is a parent issue. The youth issue is a city issue. It's a politician issue, it's a business issue," Vega said.

And it's a financial issue. Cities like Chelsea are desperately looking for money to make up for the funds cut back by the state for youth services.