A warning out of Delano involving possible gang initiations that would target motorists may all be a hoax. That's according to the Delano Police Department who released an advisory warning residents of the threat on Thursday. 29-Eyewitness News went to Delano to find out how police balance public safety, deciphering rumors from threats.

The areas of McFarland and Delano are no stranger to the dangers of gang violence, it's the dividing line between northern and southern California gangs. On Friday we spoke to Delano and McFarland locals about the continuing problem in light of the most recent scare.

On Thursday, Delano Police say they got a tip that attacks were being planned against drivers in Delano and McFarland as part of a gang initiation. In that initiation armed gang members would rear-end a vehicle and when the victim got out of the car to exchange insurance information, the gang members would open fire. Friday afternoon they released a statement informing the public that the information came from the east coast and may have been a hoax. 29-Eyewitness News asked whether Delano police were being alarmist telling the media about the threat but they told us that better to be err on the side of caution.

Still with the Cesar Chavez holiday weekend coming up, the town had already been taking precautions for gang violence. Some Delano schools had modified lock-downs limiting school access, others had increased supervision.

Delano Police say regardless of the credibility of the threat, it's always a good idea for residents to be aware of their surroundings and are asking that people in Delano be "vigilant for their safety as a precaution."