Nottingham's balaclava ban cuts youth crime by 40 per cent ONE MONTH after it came into force

Nottinghamshire Police report that youth anti-social behaviour in Nottingham city centre has dropped by 40 per cent since a balaclava ban came into force on 15 September, a period in which more than 1,000 arrests were made for offences including retail crime, drug dealing and violence. Superintendent Chris Pearson said balaclavas are now far less visible on the streets and the volume of public complaints has also declined. Officers from the police and council are deployed daily under Operation Reclaim, the joint initiative underpinning the restrictions. Before the ban was introduced, more than 90 per cent of residents expressed support for it in consultation.

Eight individuals face outright exclusion from the city centre for using face coverings to commit crime, while more than 40 young people remain on the police watchlist.

Not a single fine has been handed out so far — Supt Pearson argues this demonstrates the deterrent value: 'People are thinking twice about wearing face coverings.'

The £70 fine can only be triggered when officers reasonably believe a covering is being used for crime — religious, cultural and health exemptions all apply.