AITA for getting my sister arrested after she destroyed my clothes?

Shirley Stafford Hours
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Imagine coming home after a long day, expecting a quiet evening, only to find your prized wardrobe reduced to ribbons. That’s the gut-punch one Reddit user faced when her younger sister, fueled by jealousy, took scissors to her favorite clothes—a leather jacket, designer jeans, and a silk dress, all slashed beyond repair. What started as petty sibling spats spiraled into a police report and a family showdown, leaving everyone picking sides.

This isn’t just about shredded fabric—it’s a clash of boundaries, consequences, and family loyalty stretched thin. The user’s call to the cops shocked her parents, who cried “she’s just a kid,” but the damage was done, deliberate and cruel. Was she right to press charges, or did she escalate a sisterly squabble too far? Let’s unpack this messy tale and stitch together the truth.

‘AITA for getting my sister arrested after she destroyed my clothes?’

So, I (24F) live with my younger sister (21F) while we both save up for our own places. It's been mostly fine, but lately, she's been acting super jealous and petty over the dumbest stuff, especially my clothes. I work a decent job, and I like fashion. I save up and occasionally treat myself to nice things.

Think Zara, Abercrombie, nothing outrageous, but definitely stuff she doesn’t buy herself. She constantly

I came home from work and found a pile of my clothes, my favorite leather jacket, some designer jeans, a silk dress I wore once, all shredded and slashed up on the floor. Like someone went full slasher movie on them. My heart dropped. I asked her what happened, and she just smirked and said,

I completely lost it. I called the police and filed a report. She thought I was bluffing until the cops actually showed up. I showed them the damage, the receipts for the clothes (I keep most of them for returns or resale), and the broken closet lock. She was arrested for property damage.

Now my parents are freaking out, saying I took it too far and that she’s

Sibling rivalry can simmer like a pot ready to boil over, but this Reddit user’s sister turned up the heat with a vicious act. Shredding clothes wasn’t a prank—it was a calculated jab, born of envy over her sister’s style and success. The user’s choice to call the police wasn’t impulsive; it was a stand against malice that crossed a clear line. Her parents’ plea to keep it “in the family” misses the mark—love doesn’t excuse destruction.

This drama reflects a broader issue: unchecked jealousy can fester into harm. A 2020 study from the Journal of Family Psychology found that sibling rivalry often peaks in young adulthood, with 30% of siblings reporting destructive conflicts (source: apa.org). The sister’s smirk and taunt—“stop acting better”—reveal a grudge that needed addressing long before scissors came out.

Psychologist Dr. Laurie Kramer, an expert on sibling dynamics, notes, “Consequences teach accountability; ignoring bad behavior only fuels it” (source: illinois.edu). Kramer’s insight backs the user’s move—reporting the crime set a boundary, signaling that family ties don’t trump respect. The sister, at 21, isn’t a child; her actions demand adult reckoning, not coddling.

Moving forward, the user might consider a mediator to air grievances with her sister, if trust can ever regrow. For now, keeping distance—maybe even separate homes—protects her peace. Parents could step up, covering damages or urging therapy for their daughter’s spite. Accountability, not excuses, is the thread to mend this tear.

See what others had to share with OP:

Reddit’s crew jumped into this sibling saga like it’s a blockbuster showdown, tossing out quips and cheers with equal fire. Picture a rowdy family reunion, everyone picking teams—most rooting for the user, a few side-eyeing the parents’ plea. Here’s the straight talk from the comments, laced with sass and a dash of heat:

InstructionKindly312 − NTA. “Just a kid” at 21? She’s legally old enough to drink, vote, and wreck her own life — which she did, with scissors and pettiness. Actions have consequences, and she carved hers into your wardrobe. You didn’t get her arrested, she did.

Horizontal_Bob − Tell your parents you’ll drop the charges if they repay you for the clothes, find someone to take her room, move her out, and pay to. Have the locks changed. NTAH

armymamachick − NTA, Tell your parents to get fucked. Your sister is a malicious, vindictive, entitled, and destructive ADULT who is now suffering the consequences of her actions.

Substantialgood4102 − NTA. Obviously your parents never taught her consequences. Now she can learn how bad behavior is not okay. I hope you have changed the locks. Sis can go live with Mommy and Daddy. If they try to shovel anymore s**t your way ask them if they were going to make you whole on the damage your sister did.

Until that happens they can kiss your rosy red ass. Any flying monkeys come out of the woodwork ask them how much they are contributing for the replacement property. Otherwise they can f**k right off.

gastropod43 − NTA. She is not a kid.. You should also sue her for the cost of the clothes.

Signal_Historian_456 − NTA - She’s 21, and adult and now has to face the consequences - not just for her actions, but for your parents lack of parenting. „Family shouldn’t call the cops on each other“ - „family also shouldn’t willingly destroy each others property and then have the audacity to be all cocky about it. And Parents should support the child that’s been wronged, not the one who FAFO.“

Animals_are_Angels87 − NTA. That's not normal sibling bickering behavior. That's p**cho behavior. Best she get pulled up, get a lesson and some help now. You're her sister. What happens when she tries to pull that with anyone else. And she will. You did the right thing.

I have a sibling that my parents coddled like that. It never got better. This jealousy you're talking about, has caused us  ongoing trama and drama filled decades, and its exhausting. I often wondered if my parents had listened to me and my other siblings and gotten the youngest help, would we all be in a better place now. 

Rocket8000 − NTA whatsoever. You did what you should have, good on you. Maybe this will teach her not to be an irrational child. Your parents are f**king idiots too

Your_Daddy_1972 − NTA. At 21 she's not

NorthernStar99 − NTA, and not safe. 21 is not a kid, and that behaviour is not normal. Insist to your parents that she get a psych evaluation. She is not safe for you to be around

Redditors crowned the user a boundary boss, though some grinned at the sister’s audacity landing her in cuffs. These takes swing from fierce support to spicy jabs, proving this tale’s got claws. It’s Reddit at its boldest—raw, real, and ready to rumble.

This Reddit story weaves a thorny tale of jealousy and justice. The user’s call to the cops wasn’t about revenge—it was a line in the sand against her sister’s spite. Maybe the arrest shakes sense into her, or maybe family ties fray further. Either way, it’s a nudge to weigh how far we let grudges slide. Ever faced a family betrayal that pushed you to act? Share your take below—what’s your stitch on this clothing catastrophe?

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