Four more UK cities are exploring ways to impose balaclava bans just a month after the face coverings were prohibited in a major city.
Nottingham became one of the first cities in the nation to bring in restrictions on balaclavas. It allows police to ask people to remove them if they "reasonably believe" the coverings are being used to hide their identity to commit a crime or anti-social behaviour.
Officials in Newport, Coventry, Stafford and Wolverhampton could soon follow suit as they are all looking into ways to strengthen existing powers to challenge people wearing balaclavas.
Business owner's experience
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.
The business owner, speaking to BBC Radio Wales Breakfast, said: "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."
Council responses
Newport councillor David Fouweather said the city council was "sorry to lose her" and revealed a balaclava ban was proposed following a rise in incidents that left locals "feeling intimidated".
Matthew Evans, another local councillor who proposed the ban, said people were using face coverings to "rob, burgle and deal drugs in our city centre" and "avoid detection". Cllr Evans also proposed "exemptions for religious reasons".
Stafford is set to bring in measures against balaclavas when the borough council updates its public spaces protection order (PSPO) around the end of 2026, according to the BBC. This ban could lead to a £100 fixed penalty notice for people breaching the order.
Councillor Jill Hood, during a meeting earlier this year, said: "I'm sure we've all seen the young people who appear to have black face coverings - used to intimidate or enable antisocial behaviour."
"This will not be permitted. This supports public safety and reassurance in all restricted public areas, particularly busy town centre locations. Fear of crime can be just as intimidating as an actual crime occurring."
Coventry petition and Nottingham enforcement
A petition was launched in Coventry calling for a ban on people riding bikes and scooters from wearing balaclavas. Coventry's Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) is due to be updated in November and could see the order added and enforced.
The petition said: "It is not just the riding of bikes in the pedestrianised area that threatens public safety, but the sinister appearance of these individuals that is causing alarm and distress to those wanting to go about life in a transparent way."
Nottingham introduced its balaclava ban on September 15 and it allows authorities to hit people who defy police requests with a £70 fixed penalty notice or be prosecuted - courts can impose a maximum fine of £1,000.
