A CAMPAIGN has been launched to stop youngsters intimidating traders by wearing helmets, hoods and caps in shops.

The joint initiative between Wiltshire Police and the council's crime and disorder team is being piloted in east Swindon.

Posters will be put up around shops and garages instructing people to remove their hats.

If it is successful it will then be rolled out across the whole of Wiltshire.

Inspector Paul Hawkins said the aim of the scheme is to stop shop workers feeling intimidated by those hiding beneath headgear.

He said: "These posters will empower the shop workers. They feel they have nothing to point to and this will give them something. It's not just to prevent crime but to deter anti-social behaviour."

Cheri Wright, of the crime and disorder team, said: "This has come about as a direct response to concerns raised by shop owners.

"This is a clear demonstration of our determination to address fear of crime and anti-social behaviour. Both the police and the council are committed to tackling any antisocial behaviour in all its guises.

Sean Prowse is the manager of Esso, on Dorcan Way, one of the businesses piloting the scheme.

He said: "The reason we are keen to try this is for our staff to have peace of mind because it can be very intimidating when people come in and you can't see their face.

"Hopefully it will help cut down on petty theft from people blatantly covering their faces."