Nottingham could become the first city in the UK to introduce specific restrictions on balaclavas, as residents and traders report escalating anti-social behaviour from masked youths on ebikes. The proposed measures, which would require a separate consultation, aim to curb incidents involving machetes, shop thefts, and vandalism.
Incidents Sparking Concern
One of the most alarming incidents occurred during Nottingham's Winter Wonderland event on 16 November, when knife-wielding youths on ebikes rode through an area packed with families and children, causing shoppers to flee in panic. A second machete attack took place on 28 January, when a teenage boy was assaulted in the city centre; his injuries were not life-threatening. Four boys aged 15, a 20-year-old man, a 16-year-old boy, and three girls aged 14, 16, and 17 were later arrested on suspicion of affray and robbery.
Residents have also expressed concern about vandalism at the abandoned Debenhams building, which has become a magnet for trespassers. In November, four children aged 10 and 11 climbed onto the roof, dressed in black and wearing face coverings, waving to onlookers below.
Resident and Trader Reactions
Sandy Rubie, 50, who runs Sandy Takeaway in the city centre, told the Daily Mail she has avoided trouble because local youngsters know her. She said: "To be honest I've not had much trouble from the kids. I have been going for 36 years and many of them know me. They will come and ask for food and I have a rule that I won't serve anybody with a face covering on and they'll take them off and say 'alright, Auntie'." She added: "It is a good idea to stop kids wearing balaclavas. They are very intimidating for some people, especially the elderly."
Alan Arthur, 63, enjoying a pint at the Old Dog and Partridge pub, backed tougher measures: "I'm all for them banning the balaclava. It should not be one rule for one and one for another. Anytime I have to go to a petrol station on my bike I have to remove my helmet to show that I'm not committing a crime – kids should be doing the same."
Self-employed painter Kirk William, 47, attributed the issue to a lack of opportunities: "I think the main thing around here is that there's nothing much to do. It's a case of the devil finding work for idle hands."
Impact on High Street Traders
Kumar Singh, 29, who works at iMobile phone repair shop, showed footage of two youngsters in balaclavas entering the store while pretending to hold a gun. They grabbed speakers from display stands and fled. Mr Singh said: "If I didn't have this on video you wouldn't believe it. I jumped over the counter to go after him but really I just wanted to scare them off. What can you do?" He added: "It is children thinking they are invincible. If you've nothing to hide then there is no need to wear a face covering. The high street is already struggling and then you've got this to keep customers away. Smaller shops will end up closing because they won't be able to survive."
Council and Police Action
Nottingham City Council is consulting on a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) covering nuisance behaviours such as begging and busking. A council spokesperson said: "Any proposal to introduce restrictions relating specifically to face coverings would require further consideration and a separate consultation before any decision could be made."
Nottinghamshire Police is already confiscating balaclavas through Operation Reclaim, which targets repeat offenders and can involve taking young people home to their parents. Parents who fail to control persistent offenders could face fines. City commander Superintendent Chris Pearson said: "We will put measures in place which restrict their activity in the city centre. This can and will include taking away their balaclavas and making sure they cannot wear one in the city again. The general public have had enough of their behaviour, and so have we."
