Residents of Whipton say they are ‘powerless’ to stop group of school girls causing havoc in their community
Police have made two arrests as teenagers caught drinking alcohol, shoplifting and vandalizing property
Locals fear speaking out publicly after reports of slashed tires and smashed windows
Councillor confirms reports of ‘obscene’ graffiti and racial abuse as community demands action
A gang of teenage girls has been terrorizing residents in Whipton, Exeter, with locals saying they feel powerless to stop the escalating antisocial behavior plaguing their community.
The group of up to a dozen school girls, believed to be around 14 years old, has been running riot in the streets around Whipton Village Road and Summer Lane, engaging in shoplifting, vandalism, and verbal abuse that has left residents afraid to speak out publicly.
Police have already made two arrests and issued antisocial behavior orders, but locals say the enforcement action has done little to deter the teenagers, who allegedly view being arrested as giving them “street cred.
COMMUNITY IN FEAR
Residents describe living in fear of retaliation if they challenge the teenagers’ behavior, with multiple reports of property damage including slashed tires and smashed windows.
We’re nice to them because if you’re not you could have your windows put through,” one local resident told reporters, speaking on condition of anonymity due to fear of reprisals.
The teenagers have been caught drinking alcohol during what locals describe as “roof-hopping antics,” with large bottles of prosecco reportedly found at vandalism sites.
Local councillor Liz Pole confirmed the seriousness of the situation, acknowledging reports of “obscene” graffiti and racial abuse. She said residents and officials are desperate to put an end to the behavior that has seen the teenagers effectively take control of neighborhood streets.
SHOPS UNDER SIEGE
Local businesses have been particularly hard hit by the antisocial behavior, with shop workers reporting daily incidents of theft and vandalism.
One shop worker in the area described how the gang had been verbally abusive to staff, recounting an incident where a colleague was subjected to extreme profanity when asking them not to return to the store.
“What I’ve heard in the area is they’ve slashed people’s tires and smashed windows,” the worker said. “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.”
The same worker detailed the aftermath of the gang’s nighttime activities: “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 wrappers, bottles of prosecco and rip out everything from the toilets so there’s loo paper everywhere.”
POLICE RESPONSE HAMPERED
Despite multiple complaints, shop owners say the police response has been inadequate, with officers reportedly telling businesses they cannot take action without CCTV evidence.
It’s frustrating because we’re having to come in every morning and clean up the mess everywhere,” one worker said. 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.
Devon and Cornwall Police have confirmed they are aware of the ongoing issues and have increased patrols in the area. The force’s Exeter Neighbourhood team lists antisocial behavior in residential areas as one of their nine key priorities.
AREA’S TROUBLED PAST
The current problems have raised concerns that Whipton may be regaining its former reputation as the “Wild West” of Exeter – a label previously associated with a pub on the street that was known for fights, drugs, and intimidating behavior.
The escalating situation comes at a time when antisocial behavior is recognized as a growing concern across Devon and Cornwall, with Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez having allocated significant funding to tackle such issues in public spaces.
CALLS FOR ACTION
The Exeter Community Safety Partnership has established procedures for dealing with antisocial behavior, including warning letters, Acceptable Behaviour Contracts (ABCs), and Criminal Behaviour Orders (CBOs).
Under the Antisocial Behaviour, Crime and Policing Act 2014, conduct that causes “harassment, alarm, or distress” can be subject to various enforcement measures. Victims who have reported incidents three times within six months may be eligible for an Antisocial Behaviour Case Review.
Local officials are urging residents to continue reporting incidents to build a comprehensive picture of the problem. Reports can be made to Devon and Cornwall Police via 101 for non-emergencies, or through Exeter City Council’s antisocial behavior reporting system.
REFORM UK GAINS GROUND
The ongoing antisocial behavior issues may have political implications, with Reform UK recently winning its first seat on Exeter City Council in the Mincinglake and Whipton ward – taking the seat from Labour after a campaign that highlighted local concerns about crime and disorder.
Tony Payne, the newly elected Reform UK councillor for the area, won with a 159-vote majority, potentially reflecting residents’ frustration with the current handling of antisocial behavior issues.
COMMUNITY RESPONSE
As the situation continues to escalate, community leaders are calling for a coordinated response involving police, schools, youth services, and social services to address the underlying causes of the behavior.
The government’s Anti-Social Behaviour Action Plan and National Youth Guarantee aim to provide young people with access to structured activities and youth centers, but critics say more immediate action is needed to protect residents from the current wave of antisocial behavior.
For now, residents of Whipton continue to live in fear, with many too afraid to speak publicly about their experiences. As one anonymous resident put it: “The area may be regaining its reputation as the ‘Wild West’ of Exeter – but this time it’s being run by teenage girls.
Anyone experiencing antisocial behavior is urged to report it to police on 101 or in emergencies, 999. Reports can also be made to Exeter City Council or anonymously through Crimestoppers.
