Consultation aims to tackle the use face coverings during crime and anti-social behaviour in South Tyneside
South Tyneside Council is proposing to tackle the use of face covering during incidents of anti-social behaviour or crime.
A public consultation has been launched as South Tyneside Council looks to tackle the use of face coverings worn during incidents of crime or anti-social behaviour (ASB).
The local authority is proposing giving authorised officers new powers where face coverings such as balaclavas are used to conceal someone’s identity.
If introduced, the targeted action would form part of a Public Spaces Protection Order (PSPO), which is a legal power that allows councils to ban or restrict activities in a certain area.
The consultation will ask people whether they believe there is a need for the proposed power and if it could improve feelings of safety and confidence.
South Tyneside Council has stressed that the measure would not be a ban and would not affect face coverings worn for legitimate religious, health or work reasons.
‘Not a proposal to ban face coverings’
Cllr Karen Pittuck, Lead Member for Highways, Neighbourhoods and Community Safety at South Tyneside Council, has stated that the proposal is focused on “specific situations”.
She said: “We want everyone to feel safe and confident in our towns, villages and public spaces.
“This proposal is focused on specific situations where a face covering may be used to conceal someone’s identity while committing crime or anti-social behaviour, or causing intimidation or distress.
“It would allow authorised council and police officers to require someone to remove the face covering.
“It is important to be absolutely clear that this is not a proposal to ban face coverings. It would not affect people wearing them for religious, health or work reasons.
“We want to hear a broad range of views, including any concerns people may have about how the proposed power could be used or enforced.”
How you can take part
Chief Superintendent Darren Adams, Northumbria Police’s Anti-Social Behaviour Lead, added: “We recognise face coverings being used to conceal someone's identity to commit crime, take part in anti-social behaviour or cause fear and intimidation is a concern for our communities.
“We are supportive of our local authority partners opening conversations in relation to potential restrictions.”
The consultation has launched on Monday, October 26, and will close at 5pm on Sunday, November 22 - with anyone who lives in, works in or visits South Tyneside able to take part.
You can have your say at: www.southtyneside.gov.uk/face-coverings.