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Calls for Bradford to consider a balaclava ban have been made by a concerned resident who says groups of masked youths are making people feel unsafe.
The Thackley resident, who wanted to remain anonymous, said people wearing face coverings are regularly seen riding dirt bikes and gathering in woodland and residential areas.
They claim the issue has become a frequent topic of discussion among neighbours, with local WhatsApp groups regularly sharing concerns about anti-social behaviour and suspected thefts.
Nottingham introduces restrictions
The calls come after Nottingham became one of the first cities in the UK to introduce restrictions on face coverings as part of its Operation Reclaim initiative.
The measures, which came into force on September 15, give police and council officers the power to require people to remove face coverings where they believe they are being used to conceal someone's identity while committing crime, anti-social behaviour or intimidating members of the public.
The restrictions are not a blanket ban and include exemptions for religious, medical, health and work-related reasons.
People who refuse to comply can face enforcement action including on-the-spot fines, removal of face coverings and referrals into diversionary schemes.
'Quite intimidating'
The resident said they no longer feel comfortable walking through nearby woodland alone after coming across groups of masked youths.
They said: "I don't even go in the woods anymore because I keep seeing them. It's quite intimidating, particularly when it's dark."
Concerns over crime and anti-social behaviour
The resident also claimed neighbours have reported attempted vehicle thefts, stolen tools and bikes being taken.
A particular frustration, they said, is that face coverings can make it difficult to identify people caught on CCTV or doorbell cameras.
They said: "Everybody's got them on camera, but they've all got masks on."
Council response
Bradford Council says it is aware of complaints from residents in Idle and Thackley about nuisance bikes and youths wearing face coverings.
Cllr Ian Walker, the council's executive member for neighbourhoods and communities, said: "We are aware of recent complaints from residents in Idle and Thackley, concerned about e-bikes, motorbikes and youths wearing face coverings."
He stressed that action against illegal motorbike riders is a matter for police, adding: "Enforcement against riders of illegal motorbikes is a police function."
Cllr Walker urged residents to report incidents to police, saying enforcement is intelligence-led and that "specific reports of times, locations and behaviour are of real practical value".
He also revealed that progress is being made, adding: "In recent weeks, several young people have been identified as being involved with nuisance/illegal bikes in this area and are being progressed on the ASB pathway, which is designed to encourage positive changes in behaviour."
The Telegraph & Argus has approached West Yorkshire Police for comment.