‘Thuggish’ behaviour could see balaclavas banned in Newport

Photographer Attela Kis, 32, is concerned about the effect it may have on people choosing to cover their faces for religious reasons.

“It depends on what type of face covering you’re talking about – like a Burka for example, this is part of their religion,” he said.

“When people are riding their electric bikes and committing actual crimes, it’s really dangerous.

“They shouldn’t cover their faces, if anyone gets hit – or anything gets stolen people need to be found and prosecuted.”

Matthew Evans, one of two Newport councillors who proposed the ban, said people were wearing “intimidating” face coverings to “rob, burgle and deal drugs in our city centre” and “avoid detection”.

He proposed “exemptions for religious reasons” and said this was not an “attack on the human rights of young people”.

This follows a recent joint police and council crackdown, Operation Krypton, which led to hundreds of arrests.

Supt Esyr Jones from Gwent Police said 321 arrests had been made since July to tackle crime and anti-social behaviour across Newport.

Newport council said the current PSPO is due for review, “and any potential amendments can be considered as part of that process”.

It said the current PSPO could potentially include face coverings, “and this too is being explored in relation to its practical implication and legalities”.

But said there would be “exemptions for legitimate reasons, including religious, cultural, medical, occupational, weather or personal safety reasons”.