Authorities are expressing growing concern over a surge in crime linked to gangs of young girls across the UK. This alarming trend has seen offenders targeting vulnerable elderly people, children, and even police officers, with experts highlighting an increase in female involvement in violent incidents. Despite a series of high-profile cases, the issue often goes underreported, according to a former Metropolitan Police detective.
Recently, British Transport Police (BTP) shared images of teenage girls suspected of carrying out unprovoked attacks on elderly passengers traveling on Southeastern rail services. These incidents, which occurred within an hour of each other, are believed to be linked to the same group of girls. The attacks have raised alarms, particularly in light of other reports of young female gangs causing havoc in various communities, including a West Sussex village where locals have described feeling “held hostage” by gangs of girls.
In February, three girls aged 14, 16, and 17 were charged with manslaughter following the death of 75-year-old Fredi Rivero in Islington, north London. Mr. Rivero was allegedly assaulted near a bus stop and later died from his injuries. This follows a troubling case in Morecambe, Lancashire, where a 13-year-old girl, Olivia Allan, was attacked by a gang of girls, leaving her with severe injuries.
A report commissioned by the Local Government Association (LGA) indicates that female involvement in violent crimes, including assaults on frontline workers, has risen significantly. Research found that young women are increasingly participating in gang activities such as shoplifting, drug trafficking, and violent assaults, with many girls being targeted due to their vulnerability, often related to mental health or deprived backgrounds. Some are even groomed by male gang members, with their roles often being to carry drugs or weapons to avoid police scrutiny.
Damian Allain, a former detective with 31 years of service, noted that gang affiliation among females is often underestimated, even by law enforcement. He pointed out that many female gang members are exploited by men, who use them for tasks such as storing drugs and weapons, as they are less likely to attract police attention. He also observed that for some young women, joining a gang offers an alluring opportunity to escape difficult circumstances, particularly in areas where poverty and lack of opportunity make gang life seem like a viable option.
The growing trend of girls being involved in gang activities is not confined to violent crime. There has been an uptick in organized shoplifting and other thefts, with some girls participating in coordinated raids on stores. Historically, shoplifting was not seen as part of organized crime, but it is now recognized as such, with many girls involved in these activities.
One such incident involved a group of girls assaulting train staff and passengers at a railway station in Barnham, West Sussex. The girls, aged between 13 and 16, were involved in a violent altercation that led to numerous people being assaulted. Despite the severity of the attack, the girls were spared prison sentences and given referral orders, raising concerns about the lack of consequences for their actions.
Another troubling trend is the exploitation of young women by criminal gangs, particularly in the context of “county lines” drug trafficking. Female gang members are increasingly being lured into the drug trade with promises of cosmetic enhancements, such as lip fillers and Botox. This tactic has been particularly effective in targeting vulnerable girls, who may see such offers as an opportunity to improve their self-image or escape their circumstances.
Charities like the St Giles Trust have raised alarms about the growing risks faced by young women, noting that the recruitment tactics of criminal gangs have become more sophisticated. Many girls are now being recruited through offers of beauty treatments or designer goods, and in some cases, are coerced into carrying drugs and firearms. The “boyfriend model,” where female partners are used to cover up illicit activities, has also become more common.
Authorities are calling for increased intervention and support to address the underlying causes of female involvement in gangs, such as childhood trauma, poverty, and negative experiences with authority figures. Recommendations include more government funding for youth activities and trauma-informed care to help vulnerable girls avoid falling into criminal exploitation.
