Four UK cities consider bans on balaclavas to tackle crime
Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 11 Oct, 14:48 · Archive
Newport, Coventry, Stafford and Wolverhampton are exploring restrictions on face coverings following Nottingham's September ban.
Four UK cities are considering introducing balaclava bans to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour. Newport, Coventry, Stafford and Wolverhampton are exploring ways to strengthen restrictions on face coverings, following Nottingham's introduction of new rules in its city centre in September. Newport Council confirmed its existing Public Spaces Protection Order was being reviewed, with potential amendments covering face coverings under consideration.
Concerns about masked offenders have prompted the proposals. Newport councillors raised issues about people wearing balaclavas to rob shops, burgle properties and deal drugs whilst avoiding detection. One Newport business owner, Annette Farmer, said she was forced to move her jewellery shop online following a shoplifting incident and two burglaries carried out by people wearing balaclavas. She told BBC Radio Wales Breakfast: 'I didn't feel safe any more. There are gangs hanging around with balaclavas. They're on bikes as well, speeding around the city, speeding around the river front... just basically doing what they want. It's intimidating, it's frightening.'
Under Nottingham's September rules, police and authorised enforcement officers can ask people to remove face coverings if they reasonably believe they are being used to conceal someone's identity to commit a crime or engage in anti-social behaviour. Those who refuse can face a £70 fixed penalty notice, with prosecution potentially resulting in a maximum fine of £1,000. Newport Council stressed that any restrictions would need to account for legitimate reasons including religious, cultural, medical, occupational, weather-related and personal safety needs.
How it is being reported
- Four more UK cities consider banning balaclavas weeks after nation's firstMore parts of the UK could introduce balaclava bans after councils complain about anti-social and 'intimidating' behaviourThe Mirror · 11 Oct, 14:35
- The 4 UK cities on brink of banning balaclavas as masked yobs cause chaosNewport Council confirmed its existing Public Spaces Protection Order was being reviewed, with potential amendments covering face coverings under consideration.Daily Express · 11 Oct, 12:41
In this story: Newport · Coventry · Stafford · Wolverhampton · Nottingham · Annette Farmer · David Fouweather · Matthew Evans
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