Nottingham city centre brings in balaclava restrictions to fight crime
Police in Nottingham can now order removal of balaclavas and face coverings if they suspect concealment during crime or anti-social behaviour, with fines or prosecution.
The Full Story
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Nottingham has become one of the first UK cities to introduce restrictions on wearing balaclavas and other face coverings in public places. The new measures, which came into force today, give police the power to order anyone to remove a face covering if they reasonably believe it is being used to conceal identity while committing crime or anti-social behaviour. Those who refuse face an on-the-spot fine of £70 or prosecution with a maximum penalty of £1,000.
The move follows growing concern about anti-social behaviour and crime in the city centre. Nottinghamshire Police identified more than 180 incidents involving face coverings between June 2025 and June this year. A consultation last month drew more than 2,000 responses, with 90% backing stronger police powers.
Police insist the measures are not a complete ban. Officers will only act when they believe a covering is being used to hide someone's identity during criminal or anti-social activity. Those wearing face coverings for religious, health or work reasons are exempt. For young people, fines are not automatic. Instead, they may be required to take part in reparative activity such as litter picking or graffiti removal, and to attend a diversionary course.
However, some young people in the city question whether the restrictions will make a difference. One teenager said: 'Well, for me, I'll be honest, if someone wants to wear a balaclava, they're going to wear a balaclava regardless. I think one or two people might stop wearing them. And that's it.' Another noted the many reasons people wear them, from cold weather to concealing a bike.
The city is not acting alone. Wolverhampton introduced similar measures in 2024, and Stafford Borough Council is currently consulting on restrictions. Police say they have the resources to enforce the new rules and believe they will make the streets safer.
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Channel Perspectives
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The 5 News coverage focuses on the practical enforcement and public support, including the consultation results and the comparison with other cities. It highlights the fine amount, clarifies that it is not a complete ban, and includes a business owner's perspective and CCTV footage, along with the council's promise to use powers fairly.
- “Covering your face in Nottingham city centre could land you in trouble with police. Under new restrictions today officers can tell you to remove a balaclava or face covering and if you don't you'll be handed a 70 pound fine.”
- “Nottingham isn't acting alone. Wolverhampton City Council introduced similar measures in 2024 and Stafford Borough Council is consulting on restrictions right now.”
- “I think they need to enforce it period, just period, because then it'll probably make people wear a scarf rather than a balaclava.”
The BBC coverage provides a more detailed report with a correspondent on the ground, including interviews with police, teenagers, and a young man encountered earlier. It emphasises the balance between public safety and civil liberties, and includes the specific provisions for young people (reparative activity) and the exemption for legitimate reasons. The tone is more in-depth and balanced.
- “Intimidating and aggressive. That's how many feel about scenes like these where people are wearing balaclavas.”
- “With young people, we're clearly not going to issue a monetary fine. They will come here back into the city center and they will take part in reparative activity.”
- “If I had a nice bike and I wore a balaclava, it could be because I didn't want people to know I always come to my house to take my bike. It could be because I'm committing crime. It could be because I'm cold. There's so many different reasons that people wear them.”
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