Seaside town 'overrun with knife-wielding teens' as locals left terrified

The town is now said to be full of youths causing havoc, according to people who live in the area.

Last month, police arrested an 11-year-old boy on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in a public place.

A group of children were also caught causing damage to a shop and being abusive towards employees.

After hearing about the terrifying claims, YouTuber Wendall visited Paignton.

Residents informed him that they live in fear of the youths.

One person said: "You might get stabbed up by children. They’ll stab you for no reason at all and they’re about 12."

Melvyn, a Salvation Army bandsman, echoed the claims as he explained that the town had deteriorated.

"I’ve been here since 1963 which is 60 years. I’m 80 years old, like everywhere in this country the deterioration is very noticeable now.

"Lack of maintenance, the council either haven’t got the money or they spend it in different ways.

"When I came here in ’63 the gardens were kept absolutely pristine. There’s a lot of unease around, people are not as relaxed as they were."

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Last August Inspector Chris Lithgow of Devon and Cornwall Police said the force were "dealing with youths involved in violent offences through the youth justice system".

Paignton Police has received multiple reports of gangs of youths shoplifting, confronting and threatening business owners, spitting and causing general disorder.

On one occasion, a group of drunk 14 to 15-year-old girls had to be removed from the pier because of their behaviour, which included assaulting staff.

Neighbourhood team leader, Sergeant Stuart White, said: “Tackling anti-social behaviour [ASB] plays an important part in maintaining overall community safety and well-being and we recognise the role policing has to play in this, especially when criminal activity has occurred.

“We have increased patrols, and the new Town Centres’ Officer for Torbay Council has started his full-time role within Paignton town centre, to tackle ASB, drug misuse and shoplifting.

“We work closely with partners to ensure all agencies are aware of any escalating behaviour problems and support efforts to offer activities as a means of diversion from ASB and crime.

“We attend monthly community meetings to listen to the concerns of business owners and residents, provide feedback and reassurance and assist in targeting hot spots within Paignton, as well as the option to work with local partners to discuss how best to improve the safety of the public.

“Our officers will be visible on the streets as part of wider reassurance work and will deal with anti-social behaviour in a firm and robust manner.

“This includes the use of Section 35 dispersal legislation, which allows us to disperse individuals from an area before any anti-social behaviour occurs.

“Other measures include the use of anti-social behaviour letters, depending on the circumstances. if required, arrests are made and, when appropriate, youths are put before the courts, which can impose referral orders to work with the Youth Justice System or apply stronger penalties if deemed suitable.

“Knife crime in the area remains low when compared to other areas of the country but Devon and Cornwall Police continue to work with partners, education establishments, and local retailers to ensure we do all we can to prevent knife carrying by those who are intent on criminal behaviour.

“The Paignton Neighbourhood Team will continue to work with our community and encourage them to report incidents, so that we can working with key stakeholders to tackle these problems.”