People wearing hooded tops could be banned from entering shops in Maldon.

In a bid to beat the scourge of shoplifting, the plan is to foil thieves who use the hoods to conceal their identity from shop staff and CCTV cameras.

The hardline measures could be introduced in July, with police distributing posters to retailers which back the message that the use of hoods in shops will no longer allowed.

Crime reduction officer Ray Stannard said: "One of the problems with hoodie tops of course is it makes it difficult to identify people.

"If people are going to wear hoodie tops then they must keep their hoods down."

Published Thursday May 27, 2004

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