Clothing store Kitson bans face masks after spike in theft

Los Angeles clothing store chain Kitson said it is banning customers from wearing face masks after a series of shoplifting incidents by thieves in disguise. 

Shoppers at the brand's Beverly Hills location are prohibited from wearing face coverings under the new mandate so employees can "see the faces of the criminals," according to a post on Kitson's Instagram account. A sign in the store's window announces that "Due to the safety of our staff & assets of the store, we do not allow the wearing of face masks." 

Kitson said it implemented the new policy after noticing "a disturbing trend of individuals wearing masks to avoid identification in various situations including, but not limited to, shoplifting, verbal harassment, and physical assault."