UK City Considers Balaclava Ban to Combat Crime and Revitalize High Street

Newport, a Welsh city identified as having Britain's most struggling high street, is considering a ban on the wearing of balaclavas in an effort to deter intimidating youths and entice shoppers back to its center. Officials fear that the presence of individuals in face coverings contributes to a climate of intimidation, further exacerbating the city's high vacancy rates.

Last year, a study by the Centre for Cities think-tank found Newport had the largest number of empty stores in the UK, with one in five units vacant. The city has since seen major retailers like Marks and Spencer and River Island close their doors, leading to local descriptions of it as a 'ghost town.' Home Office figures from the previous year also indicated that Newport had the highest crime rate in the country, with 121 offenses per 1,000 residents.

Conservative councillor Matthew Evans proposed the ban, stating that "tougher action" is necessary to "improve the lives of residents and traders." He clarified that the proposed ban would include exemptions for religious reasons but emphasized that many residents feel anxious about people wearing balaclavas. The measure is intended to target individuals using face coverings to conceal their identity while engaging in criminal activities such as robbery and drug dealing. Evans stressed that the proposal is "not intended to be an attack on the human rights of young people."

Cllr Dimitri Batrouni, leader of the Labour-controlled local authority, supported extending the ban beyond the city center, calling it "actually a big issue." The potential clampdown on balaclavas is part of a broader review of Public Space Protection Orders, which may also include further measures on begging and public drinking.

The proposed ban, which received a vote of support from councilors on September 29, will undergo further consideration by officials. This move follows Nottingham's implementation of a similar 'balaclava ban' last month, aimed at tackling crime and anti-social behavior. However, initial reports from Nottingham suggested a limited impact, with masked individuals still visible on the streets shortly after the restrictions took effect.

Police assert that drug dealers and those carrying weapons frequently use balaclavas to obscure their identities. Incidents in Newport have included masked individuals throwing fireworks from rooftops and intimidating the public, as well as a gang of balaclava-clad teenagers raiding a shop and causing fear to a pregnant woman.

Under the proposed Newport regulations, police and council officers would have the authority to require individuals to remove face coverings if their identity is being concealed to commit crime or engage in anti-social behavior. Penalties could include on-the-spot fines of £70, confiscation of the coverings, and referrals to community work programs. Repeat offenders could face criminal behavior orders, potentially barring them from the city center indefinitely.

Nottingham City Council introduced its ban after receiving support from over 90 percent of respondents in a public consultation. Deputy council leader Ethan Radford questioned the necessity of wearing balaclavas in urban settings, stating, "Unless you're taking part in high-octane adventure sports or in cold weather conditions, why on earth do you need to wear a balaclava?" He added that people should feel safe without constantly looking over their shoulders.

Superintendent Chris Pearson of Nottinghamshire Police described the perpetrators as typically "very young people, normally young males wearing balaclavas," often involved in drug dealing and weapon carrying. He cited "particularly nasty incidents" involving weapons and masked individuals, as well as intimidating behavior such as throwing objects from rooftops.

Nottinghamshire Police recorded over 180 city center incidents involving face coverings between June 2025 and June 2026. The ban's enforcement is contingent on officers reasonably believing the face covering is being used in connection with crime, anti-social behavior, or intimidation. Exemptions are in place for religious, health, medical, or work-related reasons.

Other UK cities have also introduced similar measures. Wolverhampton City Council granted West Midlands Police authority in 2024 to request the removal of face coverings used to disguise identity without reasonable grounds. Stafford Borough Council approved plans, set to be introduced in December, empowering authorities to require the removal of face coverings used in connection with anti-social behavior or crime.