Children's hoodies with built-in gas masks will soon be on sale at Walthamstow Market.
The adult versions of the £20 jackets have alarmed shoppers since they went on sale at Christmas.
And now tiny versions for children as young as five have been ordered.
Wearers can zip the nylon hoodies completely over their faces, with only two plastic eye windows to see through, and a small space for breathing.
But some shoppers at the High Street market said they were scary and inappropriate.
Tracey Abderson, the Chingford mother of a nine-year-old who was held up at knifepoint by a 12-year-old gang member in Walthamstow, said the jackets would encourage young criminals.
She said: "It's disgusting. They will only intimidate more people.
"It's frightening enough that my daughter was put in that situation but imagine if you were face-to-face with someone zipped up head to toe?"
But stallholder Lester Tilbury said he was fed-up with people coming up to him and having a go because of his stock.
He said: "I've had rows with people about them. Customers think that just by putting them on, people are going to become bank robbers or terrorists.
"What they don't understand is that it's the people that commit the crime, not the clothes."
Mr Tilbury sells the hoodies in brown and grey camouflage and plain black and he said the fashion was no different than other specialist sports or army clothes coming into the mainstream.
He added: "Hoodies are banned in shopping centres, petrol garages and banks but you get hoods on the cardigans I sell to grannies."
The jackets were originally designed for snowboarders, but have become very popular with teenagers and young adults who see them as fashionable.
As well as fashion copies for £20, Mr Tilbury sells the original ski version, which is hot air sealed, waterproof and lined.
Hoods are usually worn down and the jackets have a special popper which allows them to be fastened neatly.
But this is no comfort for Ms Anderson, who also has a son aged three.
She said: "At the end of the day why would anybody want to wear a ski jacket made for snow?
"The only people buying them would be the people in the gangs. "
Tell us what you think about the children hoodies? Are they a good idea? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
10:06am Thursday 8th May 2008
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CommentPosted by: Peter, Amsterdam on 10:23am Thu 8 May 08
Never mind folks, it's all part of the plan!
"Order through chaos"
Never mind folks, it's all part of the plan!
"Order through chaos"
Posted by: Shane, London on 8:54pm Thu 8 May 08
Summer time is here and there is really no need to wear a hood or hood and cap. If you do......well....you are asking for trouble.....they should be banned
Summer time is here and there is really no need to wear a hood or hood and cap. If you do......well....you are asking for trouble.....they should be banned
Posted by: Jock, London on 1:51am Fri 9 May 08
[quote][bold]Peter[/bold] wrote:
Never mind folks, it's all part of the plan! "Order through chaos"[/quote] Blowing into the wind again mate.
Peter wrote:
Never mind folks, it's all part of the plan! "Order through chaos"
Blowing into the wind again mate.
Posted by: Jock, London on 1:56am Fri 9 May 08
Lester Tilbury must be "a bit fick" to come out with a statement like "it's people who cause the crime, not the clothes". It's all part and parcel. I can't ever recall seeing a naked robber.
Most people who are intent on carrying out a criminal act conceal their identity, be it with sunglasses, a hat, a hooded top, or balaclava. Giving them something to totally conceal their features is like giving them a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory.
Now, I seriously doubt that the kids in Walthamstow are going to be involved in chemical warfare which warrants such clothing, so why sell it?
Lester Tilbury must be "a bit fick" to come out with a statement like "it's people who cause the crime, not the clothes". It's all part and parcel. I can't ever recall seeing a naked robber.
Most people who are intent on carrying out a criminal act conceal their identity, be it with sunglasses, a hat, a hooded top, or balaclava. Giving them something to totally conceal their features is like giving them a golden ticket to Willy Wonka's factory.
Now, I seriously doubt that the kids in Walthamstow are going to be involved in chemical warfare which warrants such clothing, so why sell it?
Posted by: Croyboy on 3:16am Fri 9 May 08
The problem with banning this sort of gang-bangers' gear is that any prohibition on concealing one's face in public would also apply to the Darth Vadar ladies, and that would [italic]neve[/italic] do, would it?
The problem with banning this sort of gang-bangers' gear is that any prohibition on concealing one's face in public would also apply to the Darth Vadar ladies, and that would
neve do, would it?
Posted by: Yogi, Beartown on 12:52am Sat 10 May 08
[quote]"Darth Vadar ladies".[/quote]
Tsk Tsk Tsk , very disappointing Croyboy.....Could this comment be construed as "dehumanizing" the enemy or "name calling" ??
Oh dear ,still suffering from pot, kettle syndrome?
"Darth Vadar ladies".
Tsk Tsk Tsk , very disappointing Croyboy.....Could this comment be construed as "dehumanizing" the enemy or "name calling" ??
Oh dear ,still suffering from pot, kettle syndrome?
Posted by: Croyboy on 1:29am Sat 10 May 08
I'm afraid, Yogi, that some people choose to dehumanise[italic]themselves[/italic]: just look at the above picture.
BTW, glad you've posted: I fully answered your last post on the other thread, but wasn't able to put it up, despite trying four or five times before leaving for Foreign Parts, where I am at present.
I'm afraid, Yogi, that some people choose to dehumanise
themselves: just look at the above picture.
BTW, glad you've posted: I fully answered your last post on the other thread, but wasn't able to put it up, despite trying four or five times before leaving for Foreign Parts, where I am at present.
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