People living in Whipton, Exeter, claim that a “feral” girl gang, often seen on rooftops swigging from bottles of Prosecco, have been terrorising the neighbourhood
Residents claim they are being terrorised by a “feral” gang of roof-hopping teenage girls swigging Prosecco, making their lives hell.
Bricks have allegedly been thrown, windows smashed and tyres slashed as the schoolgirls run riot while screaming abuse and trespassing. There are thought to be up to eight of the teenagers nicknamed the “little s****” leaving people “terrified” by their behaviour. Police have become regular visitors to Whipton, Exeter, due to concern from locals. The girls are accused of showing no respect for adults or property and residents feel powerless to stop them clambering around, banging on windows, kicking doors and running through gardens.
A shop worker gave an insight into their activity, telling the Mail: “One of my colleagues was driving past one afternoon and asked them not to come in the shop again, but they just yelled at her ‘f**** off, you f***ing c***’, so they do come across as feral.
“What I’ve heard in the area is they’ve slashed people’s tyres and smashed windows. I’m not worried they’ll get violent with us, but god knows what they’ll be like to kids. They’re not scared of adults, so who knows what they could do to children their age.”
He added they have also vandalised the property: “They climb over the fence and there’s an alleyway in the back and our loos are outside. They go in there, trash it, leaving sweet rappers, bottles of prosecco and rip out everything from the toilets so there’s loo paper everywhere.
“It’s frustrating because we’re having to come in every morning and clean up the mess everywhere. We’ve called the police but they said they can’t do anything because we don’t have CCTV, so it’s just our word against theirs.”
The reckless behaviour is centred around shops and houses in Whipton Village Road and Summer Lane. Landlord of the Star Inn, Mike Crisp, also fears somebody could get hurt.
He told DevonLive: “They climb on roofs and throw slates and bricks. The noise can be horrendous. Police have taken them away in handcuffs, firemen have been needed to get them off the roofs. But still they return. Some residents are talking about taking the law into their own hands. Not a good idea, but if the strong arm of the law can’t stop them, what do we do?”
Mike said the problems started about six weeks ago when two girls were spotted climbing on the roof of the pharmacy. “It’s gradually got worse and now more people are involved,” says Mike, who also told how bricks were thrown at his wife Sharon.
He continued: “One of my neighbours is terrified by them climbing through their garden at night. Shopkeepers have told me their doors are being kicked by youths trying to get into the shops.
“I’m worried that kids are going to get hurt if they get caught by the shopkeepers or a householder where they’ve caused damage and there could be trouble. I’m not blaming the police but they don’t seem to be able to stop it.”
Ward councillor Liz Pole said: “We’ve been talking to a lot of residents this week who have experienced problems first hand with young people. There is a lot of sentiment in the area and concerns young people are being egged on and taking risks. We are just encouraging people to report incidents of anti-social behaviour and trespass and any intelligence to police.
“I’m aware of a few incidents involving young people taking risks with their behaviour. I don’t think it’s escalated into thefts but they are using ladders and climbing onto roofs. The main concern is for young people and to make sure they’re safe. The message needs to get to them that they are taking risks that are potentially harmful to them.”
While Sector Inspector David Turner said that arrests have been made. He said: “We have been made aware of a number of criminal damage offences in the Whipton area of Exeter over the last month and have made a number of arrests. Overnight two female juveniles were also arrested and remain in police custody at this time.
“We will continue to take positive action and work with schools and other organisations in dealing with those responsible. We will be carrying out reassurance patrols and people in the area will see an increased police presence as a result.”
And Exeter MP Steve Race said: “Residents in Whipton have been in touch to let me know about a concerning spate of anti-social behaviour. I know how worrying and disruptive this can be and I have contacted Devon and Cornwall Police for an update on the steps they will be taking to address this issue. I encourage anyone who witnesses criminal activity to report it by calling 101, online or by ringing 999 in an emergency or if a crime is currently in progress.”