Update on today's policing operation to keep people in Chelmsley Wood safe

Update on today's policing operation to keep people in Chelmsley Wood safe

Dear Resident,

We wanted to tell you about the policing plan in place today (Sunday) for a protest and counter-protest which are due to take place in Chelmsley Wood.

We have been in touch with the organisers of both events to understand their plans, and we will be working to ensure that people can exercise their right to lawfully protest, while dealing appropriately with any crime or anti-social behaviour.

We will also be using powers which give us the ability to tell people to remove face coverings.

Even organisers have been advised that a designated area under Section 158 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 in relation to face coverings will be in place and can be seen on this map.

It started at 9.30am today and end at 4pm.

Within this area, it will be an offence under s157 of the Crime and Policing Act 2026 for anyone to conceal their identity for the purposes of avoiding identification. 

Exemptions apply for religious, health and work-related face coverings.

Anyone who conceals their identity will commit an offence and may be liable to arrest. 

We respect people's right to freedom of expression and peaceful protest. Those rights are fundamental in a democratic society. 

You’ll see an increased police presence in the area today, and we’d encourage anyone with concerns to speak to our officers.