(Image: PA)
Ministers could crackdown on masked gangs after an MSP warned of “Temu Tommy Robinsons” wearing balaclavas and riding e-bikes, with police struggling to safely pursue offenders.
The Scottish Government is considering creating exclusion zones for face coverings as concerns grow over balaclavas being used to conceal the identities of people involved in crime.
Justice Secretary Neil Gray said ministers were examining measures introduced in Nottingham, stating he was in “active discussion” with Scotland’s Chief Constable Jo Farrell over what further powers could help officers.
He also claimed it had been difficult to engage with the UK Government over calls for a licensing or registration scheme to be imposed for owners of e-bikes or scooters.
Both issues have come increasingly into focus amid anti-immigration demonstrations and concerns over masked young people rising motorised bikes and scooters.
Speaking at a fringe event hosted by the Scottish Police Federation at SNP conference in Aberdeen, Mr Gray described the use of balaclavas as a “growing and very challenging phenomenon”.
“It is becoming a newer phenomenon, a growing and very challenging phenomenon, where we are seeing balaclavas being used in order to mask criminality, anti-social behaviour and significant disruption and disorder,” he said.
“It is one that we’re looking at. There is clearly civil liberties implications around this and it is not as easy or straightforward as just banning them or banning them in certain areas.
“We are looking, though, at what’s being done in Nottingham, where you’ve got, essentially, exclusion zones.”
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Under the Nottingham measures, police and council officers can require people to remove face coverings where they are being used to conceal their identity to commit crime or engage in anti-social behaviour.
Those breaching the restrictions can face a £70 on-the-spot fine, have their face covering confiscated or be referred to a programme involving community work.
Mr Gray said ministers were now considering what could work in Scotland but acknowledged the potential civil liberties implications.
He said: “We’re in active discussion with the Chief Constable. At a very recent meeting with her, we were exploring this around what would help, what could make the difference.”
David Linden, SNP MSP for Glasgow Baillieston and Shettleston and convener of Holyrood’s Criminal Justice Committee, backed tougher action.
He described a recent “mass gang” involved in an anti-immigration protest in his constituency as “Temu Tommy Robinsons”.
“It’s a massive challenge that our officers are facing,” he said.
“I totally understand the point the Cabinet Secretary has made in terms of civil liberties, and there are members of my committee who have a stronger view on this as well. I think the time has definitely come for us to look at a bit more action on this.”
He added: “Let’s not take too long on this, because I’m very clear my communities and other communities are crying out for action on it.”
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It comes amid separate concerns over the ability of police to tackle offenders using powerful e-bikes and other motorised vehicles.
David Threadgold, chair of the Scottish Police Federation, said the tactical options available to officers were “fairly limited” when dealing with riders committing offences.
He said it was “simply unacceptable” for officers to be directed away from people engaging in dangerous behaviour because of concerns about the consequences of pursuing or confronting them.
“We have to have options available to us to proactively target anyone who is committing a crime, whether it’s on a motorbike or anywhere else,” he said.
One of the challenges facing officers is pursuing riders who flee, given the potential danger to the rider, officers and other members of the public.
Mr Gray said that strengthened the case for a licensing or registration system which could allow police to identify vehicles without relying on a pursuit.
The Justice Secretary criticised the UK Government over the issue, saying: “I cannot fathom for the life of me why the UK Government has so far refused to engage on a licensing or registration scheme for offroad vehicles.”
He said senior police officers had told him registration would “significantly” assist investigations into criminality and anti-social behaviour.
Mr Linden also raised concerns about modified, “souped-up” e-bikes capable of travelling at high speeds and warned the problem went beyond anti-social behaviour by teenagers.
“This is not always just young folk on bikes and e-scooters,” he said.
“There is absolutely a serious organised crime aspect too and there is a real challenge for officers.”
The UK Government has been asked for comment.