Nottingham's balaclava ban cuts youth crime by 40 per cent in its FIRST MONTH with no fines yet issued

Eight people have been barred from Nottingham city centre for wearing face coverings while committing crime, and upwards of 40 young people are on the police watchlist, a month after the balaclava prohibition took effect on September 15. Superintendent Chris Pearson reports that balaclavas are becoming a rarer sight on the streets and the public is flagging fewer incidents, with the £70 fine threat proving an effective deterrent. Since Operation Reclaim launched, officers have logged more than 1,000 arrests covering retail crime, violence and drug dealing — though none relate specifically to balaclava offences.

Not a single £70 fine has been issued — police say zero penalties proves "the message is getting through."

The ban followed a public consultation in which more than 90 per cent of respondents backed the crackdown.

Young people had reportedly been wearing balaclavas to throw objects at members of the public from rooftops, according to Supt Pearson.