A teenage girl gang has turned a once-thriving high street into a ‘warzone’ – with their 14-year-old ringleader boasting she’s ‘untouchable’ because police refuse to step in.
For at least three months, shopkeepers on Shirley High Street in Southampton have reported the feral teens for throwing knives inside shops, daubing cartoon penises on walls, blaring pornography from portable speakers and pelting eggs at stunned passers-by – all in broad daylight and often filmed for TikTok.
Despite dozens of complaints, police are accused of doing nothing – with traders claiming the girls have become so emboldened they now follow staff home, mock officers by name, and dare victims to call 999.
The gang reportedly avoids chain stores and instead targets smaller, minority-run businesses – bombarding Black and Asian shopkeepers with racist abuse, smashing up displays, looting stock and spitting at staff in full view of customers. Victims say they are regularly called ‘Black c***’ and ‘Black stupid f***** b**ch’, with some told to ‘go back to your country’.
When confronted, the girls have been seen flashing staff and accusing male employees of being paedophiles – a tactic traders believe is used to humiliate victims and prevent them from filming or reporting thefts.
The ringleader, believed to be just 14, is known by name to almost every trader on the high street. Shopkeepers say she struts from store to store with a speaker in her pocket, shouting obscenities, swigging stolen vodka, and gloating that police are ‘never going to show up’. The Daily Mail is aware of her identity but is not naming her for legal reasons.
One of the worst-hit traders is Muhammad Usman, who runs Phone Hub, a mobile and electronics shop. He says the gang has stolen vape kits and accessories, hurled knives inside the store, and accused him of being a paedophile when he tried to film the damage. ‘Every time I hear someone shouting I flinch,’ he said. ‘I feel depressed. I don’t feel safe at home or walking down the street. I complain to the police all the time but they say it’s not an emergency.’
Video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows the ringleader giggling with her friends, threatening to ‘shank’ Mohammad and continuously mocking his accent.
On other occasions, footage shows girls drunkenly slurring obscenities at shop keepers, snatching cookies from behind the counter at Subway and even shattering the glass door with a singular kick.
Nnenna Okonkwo opened her independent food store on one of Southampton’s busiest high streets a year ago, hoping to welcome new customers and provide products that the community would not have been able to find elsewhere.
Instead, the mob show up at Sunnyday International Foods to harass her everyday.
Nnenna explained that their vendetta against her started in May when she defended an elderly lady after her trolley was snatched by the girls.
In retaliation, the gang smashed Nnenna’s windows and ensure customers are too scared to enter the store.
‘I’m always anxious, worried and looking over my shoulder,’ she quivered. ‘My anxiety level is way off and my blood pressure is higher than normal.
‘The most surprising thing is it’s not boys. It’s the main girl that has been harassing me and my customers.
‘When I’m not in the store she asks my assistant where I am, when she spots me all hell breaks loose.
‘When I ask the police for help they say they have other priorities.’
The racist group also target retailers after work – following them as they walk home and waiting at their bus stops.
The disorder has got worse since the school holidays started as parents turn a blind eye while their kids saunter around town stealing, explained Nanni Sheaik the manager of Subway.
The girls have repeatedly broken the drink dispenser and cookie cabinet, ignoring the shields that Nanni was forced to install as a precaution.
He told the Daily Mail: ‘It’s hard to work here, the girl is crazy. Because of her we have to lock the doors to the shop.
‘They think they’re playing a game but they’re ruining our lives.’
Sunny Khaira, the owner of Subway added that the police are hiding behind public nuisance as an excuse. ‘It’s like a warzone,’ he said.
The Police and Crime Commissioner from the Hampshire and Isle of Wight constabulary claims that she is planning to organise a meeting to tackle the issue.
PCC Donna Jones said: ‘The experiences shared by residents and business owners, particularly those subjected to racist abuse, threats, and vandalism are deeply concerning and completely unacceptable.
‘These are clearly not isolated incidents. They reflect a pattern of serious offending which is having a profound impact on the community. Enough is enough.
‘The police must respond with urgency and clarity. If current tactics are not working, then it is time to change them.
‘While it is right for the police to consider the age of those involved, that cannot be a reason to delay action when offences are committed again and again. Arrests and community orders are an option, and must be used when necessary to protect the community.’
However, resident Tony Weafer believes the police don’t care about protecting the community.
He said: ‘I spoke to the kids and they said the police can’t touch us.’
Tony believes the responsibility for the kids’ racist behaviour is down to their parents.
Meanwhile, shopkeeper Andrea Balmer thinks the police are making excuses for the ringleader because she has a hard home life while others claim the age of the group has made them ‘invincible’.
Agather Okoye, who works at Sunnyday International Foods said nothing can excuse the groups behaviour.
She told the Daily Mail: ‘I’m always afraid of what’s going to happen next, it’s not an easy job.
‘They call me a black b**ch.
‘Because of them I’m afraid to be alone.’
A spokesperson for Hampshire Police said: ‘Our local neighbourhood policing team has been conducting an increased number of patrols, with particular focus during peak times when groups of young people are known to gather. These patrols are aimed at engaging proactively with individuals to deter disruptive behaviour before it escalates.
‘Whenever an incident is reported, our control room are looking to deploy teams to respond as soon as possible, as was done last night (July 31) when we were called and officers attended where a 14-year-old girl was arrested as part of our response.
‘We are actively working with partner agencies and have been in contact with parents and guardians to address the behaviour of this small group, and its impact on the community.
‘Our dedicated neighborhood officers and local bobby for Shirley, continue to maintain a strong presence on the high street. They regularly liaises with residents and business owners to ensure concerns are heard, and that updates and support are provided as part of our ongoing efforts.
‘We remain committed to responding swiftly to reported incidents and encourage anyone affected to continue reporting issues to us. Community intelligence is vital in helping us take appropriate action and build a safer environment for everyone.’