Policing powers in place to restrict face coverings at planned protest in Crowborough

New policing powers will be in place for the planned and counter protest in Crowborough on Sunday (20 September).

To reduce opportunities for intimidation and criminality, the powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026, will be in place to restrict the use of face coverings and ensure individuals cannot conceal their identity within the area designated in the town of Crowborough including Poundgate, The Warren and St Johns.

The powers will apply within the area shown on the map, from 7am to 7pm on Sunday 20 September.

The decision to utilise the new powers follows incidents of criminality during protests elsewhere in the country recently. They were also used at a planned protest and counter protest in Burgess Hill on Tuesday.

Superintendent Rachel Glenton said: “We know from recent events nationally how communities have been left feeling fearful and intimated by groups of protestors wearing face coverings.

“The additional policing powers enables us to direct people to remove face coverings in a designated area and to seize face coverings and we will use this where necessary to enable a lawful and peaceful protest.

“It will be enforced impartially to all groups present. We will act to prevent any criminality and to keep people safe.”

Powers under the Crime and Policing Act 2026 prohibits the wearing of face coverings used to conceal identity.  Anyone in the designated area, outlined in the map, is committing an offence if wearing a face covering and could be arrested for concealing their identity.