A major British city is now weighing up a possible ban on balaclavas in an effort to curb masked crime.
Residents in Nottingham say groups of teenagers wearing face coverings have become a growing problem, with many reporting feeling unsafe in parts of the city.
Last year’s Winter Wonderland event was reportedly disrupted by knife-wielding youths on e-bikes, while another violent incident in the city centre left a teenage boy injured during a machete attack.
Council leader Neghat Khan told The Sun the authority could launch a public consultation on the idea of a ban if there was enough support.
She said: “It’s a serious concern, people on e-bikes – it’s 32 degrees and you’re wearing a balaclava. That’s not acceptable.”
She added that a report had ranked Nottingham as the seventh most unsafe place in the country, saying: “That’s not a label I want for this city.”
“I don’t care who it is, any time of day or night, people should feel safe. This is your city and we’re not going to let criminals take it over,” she said, adding she would not “rest until we’re the safest city in the country”.
Residents, businesses and visitors will be able to respond to the consultation until June 22 before any decision is taken.
Separately, Amy Hodson-Ridgway from Manchester has launched a petition calling for a ban after her eight-year-old son was seriously injured in a moped crash involving a masked rider.
He suffered a collapsed lung, head injuries, and multiple broken bones in his left leg. Police were unable to identify the suspect and closed the case three weeks later.
She said: “This single piece of clothing has turned our community into a breeding ground for fear and lawlessness. It’s a great idea for Nottingham to ban balaclavas, and I hope other cities follow.”
“Our lives have been turned upside down. He is recovering physically, but the psychological impact is lasting. He’s scared to go outside because of what he sees.”
A Nottingham City Council spokesperson said any restriction on face coverings would need further review and a separate consultation before a decision.
They urged residents to take part in the current consultation if they have concerns.
France introduced a full public ban on face coverings in 2011, including masks and balaclavas, with fines for violations, while countries such as Belgium, Switzerland, and Austria have also implemented similar restrictions.
