Ban ski masks and balaclavas across the UK to reduce gang crime.
Introduce a UK-wide ban on wearing, carrying, or selling ski masks and balaclavas. Classify them as prohibited identity-concealing gear and give police powers to stop, search, seize, and fine up to £1,000 anyone found with them without a legitimate reason.
Signatures
6
signatures
Government response threshold (10,000) · 6/10,000
Debate threshold (100,000) · 6/100,000
- 14 JAN 2026Petition rejectedduplicate
You may wish to sign this petition calling for a similar action: https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/749103
- 29 NOV 2025Petition created
Background
Ski masks and balaclavas are increasingly linked to gangs, intimidation, robberies, and knife crime. These coverings help offenders hide their identity and evade CCTV. Banning them would deter criminal behaviour, support policing, reduce fear in communities, and stop gangs using face coverings to conceal themselves, while still allowing limited legitimate uses such as sports or specific work roles.