Are Criminals Using COVID Masks to Hide Identity?

Updated: 12 Nov 2025 · Category: Public Safety

Numerous reports are revealing an increase in suspects using surgical or medical COVID masks to hide their identity. Many criminals are using these masks to conceal their faces while committing crimes in the UK.

A spokesman from a West Midlands security company told us earlier this week that an increasing number of break-ins and opportunist crimes are being committed by people wearing masks originally intended for protection from COVID.

From Health Measure to Criminal Tool

Before COVID, if individuals entered buildings or walked streets wearing masks, they would likely be challenged by police or security guards. That changed once mask-wearing became compulsory across the UK.

For years, masks have been used to hide identities during crimes. However, opportunistic offenders were often caught due to being captured on CCTV without facial coverings. Now, that same CCTV is struggling to identify masked suspects.

According to The Guardian, a civilian supervisor at Kent Police’s identification suite noted an increase in reports of suspects wearing masks. The Nottingham Post reported thieves wearing protective masks stole a car while a man was unloading shopping — underscoring the growing challenge for law enforcement and private security alike.

It’s Not Just a UK Problem

These challenges aren’t limited to Britain. In the US, several robberies have involved suspects disguised in surgical masks. The police chief of Frackville, Pennsylvania, commented that “criminals are smart — this is a perfect opportunity to blend in.”

Even bank employees in Pakistan report fear and confusion: “Earlier, masks looked suspicious. Now, it’s normal but frightening — we can’t distinguish between customers and criminals.”

FBI Special Agent Lisa McNamara told WTTW News, “In the past, if you found surgical masks during a search, it was suspicious. Now everyone has them.” Latex gloves — also used widely during the pandemic — mean fewer fingerprints at crime scenes. Data from the Los Angeles Police Department showed over 1,100 mask-related criminal incidents in 2020, compared to just 200 the year before.

What’s the Solution?

Although compulsory mask mandates have ended in most countries, masks remain common in crowded areas, public transport, and shops. Police cannot legally stop people for wearing them, making it easier for criminals to hide in plain sight.

In March, charity leaders warned that gang members were using masks to pose as teenagers while selling drugs — blending into communities under the guise of safety.

Security guards, once trained to be alert when someone entered with their face covered, now face the opposite challenge: assuming good intentions even when a mask hides potential threats.

The Role of Professional Security

If you are concerned about theft, vandalism, or other crimes affecting your business in the West Midlands, professional support is available. Eagle Security Protection — an SIA-accredited security company in Birmingham — provides licensed guards for facilities, construction sites, and retail premises across Birmingham, Coventry, Wolverhampton, Dudley, Solihull, and Walsall.

With nearly a decade of experience in manned guarding and mobile patrols, ESP ensures vigilance that technology alone cannot provide.

Final Thoughts

Face masks once symbolised health awareness — now, they present new challenges for law enforcement and security professionals. As criminals exploit these tools of anonymity, the need for trained, observant security personnel becomes even more critical.

Stay alert, stay protected — and if you’re in Birmingham or the West Midlands, partner with a trusted team that understands evolving risks.