Southampton high street terrorized by teenage girl gang, shopkeepers say police offer little help

A teenage girl gang has terrorised shops along Shirley High Street in Southampton, taunting staff, threatening to kill and hurling racist abuse, leaving business owners feeling unsafe and abandoned by authorities. Muhammad Usman, who owns Phone Hub on the high street, says he has endured months of physical and mental abuse, including death threats and xenophobic taunts, and that he no longer feels safe at his home or while walking in the area. Victims have described being called racial slurs and told that the police will not intervene, a refrain that has been echoed by locals who say the disorder has intensified since the school holidays began. The incident cluster includes accusations of theft, assaults and property damage carried out by the group, which has drawn attention from community leaders and lawmakers alike.

Video footage obtained by the Daily Mail shows the ringleader giggling with her friends as she taunts staff and threatens to “shank” Muhammad, while other clips depict the group smashing a glass door with a single kick, stealing items from behind counters, and hurling abusive language at shopkeepers. One 14-year-old girl admitted threatening and hitting people, telling a BBC reporter that being in trouble with the police provides her with an adrenaline boost, and that while she “regrets” some actions, she does not apologize. She told the BBC she would not claim innocence because she was not, in her words, innocent. She also acknowledged drinking and vaping, but denied issuing racist remarks in the footage.

Among the victims is Nnenna Okonkwo, who opened Sunnyday International Foods on one of Southampton’s busiest high streets a year ago in hopes of serving the community with goods not readily available nearby. The gang’s vendetta against her shop began in May after she defended an elderly customer when the teens snatched a trolley. Since then, windows have been smashed, the drink dispenser and cookie cabinet broken, and customers deterred from entering. Okonkwo says the attacks have left her anxious and constantly on edge, and she fears for her safety when she is not at the store. “I’m always anxious, worried and looking over my shoulder,” she said. “My anxiety level is way off and my blood pressure is higher than normal.”

The disorder has also affected other retailers. Nanni Sheaik, who runs Subway on the same high street, said the group has repeatedly damaged equipment and forced him to install shields to protect staff and customers. “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,” he said. Sunny Khaira, a Subway owner, claimed police have justified the non-intervention by citing public nuisance concerns, comparing the situation to a war zone. “It’s like a warzone,” he said, and he added that officers often appear unable to act when the group is present. Other residents, including Tony Weafer, expressed frustration with opinions that police “can’t touch us,” arguing that parents must be held accountable for their children’s actions and that police need clearer powers to intervene.

The Local police response has been a point of contention. In August, Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary charged a 14-year-old girl from Southampton with two counts of assault, one of criminal damage, one of arson and one of breaching a section 35 dispersal order. The force said it had increased patrols and was engaging with parents and guardians to address the behaviors of the group, with dedicated neighbourhood officers maintaining a visible presence on Shirley High Street. A spokesperson stated that patrols aim to deter disruptive behavior before it escalates, and that control room operators deploy teams quickly when incidents are reported. The force said it remains committed to rapid responses and to working with partners to address the impact on the community, while continuing to listen to residents and business owners.

The episode has intensified a broader debate over policing and anti-social behavior in the area. Hampshire’s police and crime commissioner Donna Jones has argued that some youths require a different approach and has called for changes in legislation to bolster parental accountability and empower agencies to intervene more effectively. Labour has signaled a push to revive new tools, including “respect orders” and enhanced powers to seize nuisance vehicles such as e-scooters and e-bikes ridden on pavements. Proponents say the proposed measures would allow civil courts to issue immediate consequences for repeat offenders, with breach penalties including possible arrest and jail time, though the new orders would be narrower in scope than the old anti-social behaviour orders that were scrapped in 2014. Former Home Secretary Yvette Cooper said such tools could help police and councils crack down on persistent anti-social behavior and protect communities.

Authorities acknowledge the hurt and fear expressed by shopkeepers and residents, and say ongoing patrols, youth engagement, and parental involvement remain priorities. Daily Mail reporters requested comment from Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary, and the force reiterated its commitment to keeping communities safe and to addressing concerns through collaboration with residents, businesses and families. While the high street seeks stability, the voices of affected shopkeepers insist that the line between mischief and crime has often blurred, and that precautions taken by retailers should not be misinterpreted as acceptance of intimidation. The community awaits further action from authorities, and residents emphasize that timely and decisive responses are essential to restoring confidence and safety in Shirley.