Nottingham is best known for its ties to Robin Hood and its two well-regarded universities, but locals and business owners say the city centre is increasingly being plagued by gangs of masked youths riding ebikes. Support is growing for tighter restrictions on balaclavas and other face coverings.
The city could become the first in the UK to bring in specific restrictions on balaclavas as part of efforts to tackle anti-social behaviour. However, Nottingham City Council has said any such move would need a separate public consultation before a final decision is made.
Those backing tougher measures say the issue has worsened in recent years, pointing to machete incidents, shop thefts and vandalism carried out by youths hiding their identities.
What incidents have raised alarm in Nottingham?
One of the most shocking incidents happened during Nottingham’s Winter Wonderland on 16 November, when knife-carrying youths on ebikes rode through an area packed with families and children.
Shoppers and visitors were seen running in panic as chaos broke out in front of Christmas market crowds.
Another machete-related incident happened on 28 January at around 7:30pm, when a teenage boy was attacked during a fight in Nottingham city centre. His injuries were not thought to be life-threatening.
Police later arrested four boys aged 15, a 20-year-old man, a 16-year-old boy, and three girls aged 14, 16 and 17 on suspicion of affray and robbery.
Residents have also raised concerns about vandalism at Nottingham’s abandoned Debenhams building, which has become a hotspot for trespassers.
In November, four children aged 10 to 11 climbed onto the roof. Dressed in black and wearing face coverings, they were seen waving at people below.
What do residents think about a crackdown?
Sandy Rubie, 50, who runs Sandy Takeaway in central Nottingham, told the Daily Mail she has mostly avoided trouble because many local youths know her.
She said: “I haven’t had much trouble from the kids. I’ve been here 36 years and many of them know me.
“They come in asking for food, and I have a rule — I don’t serve anyone wearing a face covering. They usually take it off and say, ‘Alright, Auntie.’
“But it’s definitely a growing problem in the city centre. If they want to cause trouble, covering their face makes it easy. Ebikes make it worse because they can escape quickly.
“I’ve noticed police are now using ebikes too, so it’s not as easy for them anymore.
“Stopping kids from wearing balaclavas sounds like a good idea. They can be very intimidating, especially for older people.”
Alan Arthur, 63, said he also supports tougher rules.
He said: “I’m all for banning balaclavas. It shouldn’t be one rule for some and another for others.
“If I stop at a petrol station on my motorbike, I have to remove my helmet to show I’m not committing a crime. Kids should have to do the same.
“Why have authorities taken so long? This has been happening for years.”
Self-employed painter Kirk William, 47, said a lack of opportunities for young people is also part of the problem.
He said: “There’s not much for young people to do around here. Idle hands often lead to trouble.
“But banning balaclavas could still help. If you’re covering your face because you’re up to something, that’s an issue.”
What are traders facing on the high street?
Kumar Singh, 29, who works at an iMobile phone repair shop, reportedly showed footage of two youths wearing balaclavas entering the store while pretending to hold a gun.
The pair slowly walked in before grabbing speakers from display stands and running off.
Mr Singh said: “If I didn’t have it on video, people wouldn’t believe it.
“I jumped over the counter to chase them, but really I just wanted to scare them off. What am I supposed to do if I catch them? They’re kids.
“It gets worse after dark. I work evenings from 7pm to 10pm and you don’t feel safe. If you call police, they can take hours to arrive.
“These are kids who think they’re untouchable. If you’ve got nothing to hide, why wear a face covering?
“For criminals, it’s the perfect shield. It happens regularly. These are often early teenagers, angry and aggressive.
“They move in groups of 10 or 12, with a few on ebikes. Everyone on the high street deals with it. They snatch phones and hang around Old Market Square.
“They steal from everywhere — Greggs, Holland & Barrett, Superdrug — nowhere feels safe, not even charity shops.
“The high street is already struggling, and this just drives customers away. Small shops won’t survive if this keeps happening.”
What are the council and police doing?
Nottingham City Council is consulting on a three-year Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO) aimed at tackling nuisance behaviour, including begging and busking.
A council spokesperson said: “Any proposal to specifically restrict face coverings would need further review and a separate consultation before any decision is made.
“We encourage residents concerned about face coverings in the city centre to share their views through the current consultation.”
Nottinghamshire Police said officers are already confiscating balaclavas from young people involved in crime and anti-social behaviour through Operation Reclaim.
Senior Media and External Relations Manager Matt Jarram said the scheme targets repeat offenders and can involve taking youths home to their parents.
Parents who fail to control persistent offenders could face fines.
City commander Superintendent Chris Pearson said: “We will introduce measures to restrict their activity in the city centre.
“That includes taking away their balaclavas and ensuring they cannot wear them in the city again.
“The public have had enough of this behaviour — and so have we. That’s why Operation Reclaim matters.
“It’s about educating young people, supporting families, and taking firm action so Nottingham city centre becomes a no-go zone for this kind of behaviour.”
