Hoods ban aims to cut shop crime

Rewards are being offered for information on robberies

The wearing of helmets, caps and hooded tops is to be banned in shops across Merseyside as part of a police bid to cut crime in the run up to Christmas.

Police say many offenders cover their faces when committing crimes, making it harder to identify them on CCTV.

By asking everyone to take off their hat, detectives say criminals will be put off from committing crime.

Police are also putting up posters promising to offer a reward to anyone with information about a robbery.

In addition, yellow CCTV vans and patrol cars will escort often-targeted security vans as they make their deliveries to shops.

When a Merseyside Police helicopter is called out, it will use its return journey to follow security vehicles as an extra measure.

"Merseyside Police will be after you and they will catch you," the force says.

"We will continue to use all the powers available to us to crack down on those who make the lives of businesses and the public a misery by committing these crimes."