Shops should ban teenagers from wearing hoods to combat theft, says a police adviser.

Baseball caps and hooded tops, known as hoodies, are hugely popular with teenagers.

But for Colchester store owners losing thousands of pounds worth of goods to shoplifters they are making it hard to identify criminals - even those caught on CCTV.

Now Colchester police's crime reduction officer Colin Stiff is suggesting stores put up posters asking customers to take off hats and put down their hoods before walking in.

The idea has been tried at shops in the Basildon division and he is encouraging managers here to contact him to introduce the ban.

Hopefully the scheme - if it catches on in Colchester - will stop thieves using hats and hoods to hide their faces as they try to take valuables.

Mr Stiff, who has posters printed ready to be put up, said of the idea: "We're very interested in any scheme which will reduce opportunities for criminals.

"We would support any shop or store which is proposing to take up this initiative."

He said that as well as making it hard to identify culprits, hats and hoodies can also make it hard to hear their voice clearly, again making it harder to catch them.

Mr Stiff pointed out that the scheme could be a useful money-saver for shops, some of which lose thousands each year through theft.

Shop managers who would like information about introducing the scheme can call Mr Stiff on 01206 717624

Published Tuesday, April 29, 2003

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