A number of south Mississippi banks will soon be requiring customers to remove sunglasses, hats and hoods before entering the business.

The security measure starts Friday. Bank officials say the requirement, in response to a string of bank robberies, may help authorities identify bandits. They say the policy is routine for banks in some states.

Paul Maxwell, vice president and corporate communications manager of Hancock Bank, said bank robberies had dropped significantly in states where bankers associations have rules preventing those who enter banks from covering their heads and eyes.

Authorities say at least 16 banks and credit unions have been robbed since January in Harrison, Hancock and Jackson counties.