More on youth crime.... Balaclava ban showdown. City fights back against masked riders A UK city could become the first in the country to crack down on balaclava-wearing riders after growing fears over masked youths allegedly terrorising streets on e-bikes and e-scooters. Nottingham has found itself at the centre of a heated debate after residents and businesses raised concerns about groups covering their faces while speeding through the city centre. The issue has sparked calls for tougher action as reports of antisocial behaviour continue to fuel anxiety. Council leader Neghat Khan said people should feel safe in Nottingham during both the day and night. She questioned why some riders were covering their faces during unusually hot weather, highlighting concerns about those travelling rapidly through busy pedestrian areas. But despite headlines suggesting a ban is imminent, no restriction has yet been approved. The proposal remains under consideration and has not been formally drafted. The discussion is taking place alongside plans for a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), a legal tool councils use to tackle behaviour that harms local quality of life. Nottingham's draft PSPO would run for three years if approved. The proposed order already targets a range of issues including blocked entrances, disruptive busking, unauthorised collections, public urination and interference with street-cleaning operations. The focus of the balaclava debate is not on people wearing face coverings during cold weather. Instead, local leaders are examining concerns about individuals concealing their identities while riding illegal or unregistered electric vehicles through public spaces. Police say similar riders have been linked to incidents involving disorder, violence, drugs, weapons and antisocial behaviour. Officers also warn that face coverings can make identification through CCTV footage or witness accounts far more difficult. One incident on May 6 intensified concerns. A neighbourhood inspector encountered two balaclava-wearing riders on electric motorcycles near Upper Parliament Street and Chapel Bar. Police said the vehicles could not legally be used in public places. Members of the public and council workers reportedly helped restrain the riders after the officer was assaulted. A 19-year-old man and a 16-year-old boy were later charged with a number of alleged offences. Police stressed that charges do not amount to convictions. Further alarm followed on June 15 when officers pursued two teenagers riding an e-scooter on a pavement in Radford. According to police, both suspects were wearing balaclavas and attempted to flee. Searches reportedly uncovered two machetes concealed inside their trousers along with cannabis. Boys aged 15 and 16 were arrested on suspicion of offences including knife possession before later being released on conditional bail. In response to rising concerns, Nottinghamshire Police has launched Operation Reclaim alongside the council and partner organisations. The initiative targets youth antisocial behaviour, illegal e-bikes, weapon-carrying, drug dealing and retail crime. Officers are increasing visible patrols and say balaclavas can already be confiscated from young people involved in offending. Existing powers can also be used to stop identified offenders from wearing them again. Potential penalties could include a £100 fixed penalty notice or prosecution carrying a maximum fine of £1,000. For now, Nottingham remains a city considering a ban rather than one that has introduced it. The consultation on the wider city-centre PSPO closes at 11.59pm on June 23, 2026, after which officials will review public responses. UK city poised for first balaclava ban as masked youths terrorise streets
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