A Bolans businessman who was fired upon by masked gunmen is urging the government to ban the importation and use of full-face masks, warning that they are increasingly being used to facilitate violent crime.
The entrepreneur, who requested anonymity, said he was refueling his truck along Sir Andy Roberts Highway near Fry’s around 11:30 a.m. Friday when two masked men ran from nearby bushes, one brandishing a firearm. He said the gunman fired three shots after the victim threw stones to keep distance before the attackers fled back into the bush.
The businessman said the masks completely concealed the attackers’ faces, making identification impossible, and argued that such coverings embolden criminals and put business owners and the public at risk.
He described the suspects as young, slimly built men and said similar masked robberies are increasingly affecting small business owners. He called for the government and police to work together to strengthen crime prevention measures, warning that future victims could be elderly or more vulnerable.
Police are investigating the incident.
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Why on earth do we even need ski masks on this island. What purpose do they serve? I can think of one maybe, for persons working in areas where noxious fumes are a possible health hazard? Is there another way that they can protect themselves – of course there is. There are protective shields. So, yes, I agree with the call for a ban on importation of ski masks and I will go further and make it criminal for one to be found in possession of a ski mask. Just like camouflage wear is prohibited ski masks should also be prohibited. This has become a safety issue for the wider citizenry.
Banning face masks will not stop robbers from wearing a face mask when they go to rob. They will cover up their faces during robberies regardless of any ban.
Just yesterday I was thinking the same thing when I saw a young man coming off of a work truck in one. I’m in total agreement if banning these masks.
The police needs to be trained in using Ai technology that will allow them to uncover the masked faces. Yes it is possible to do.
Before face masks, they were using cap, handkerchefs a and other means to conceal themselves
Ski masks has become increasingly associated with criminal activity in Antigua and Barbuda. Such masks were designed for cold weather but their ability to conceal ones identity has made them a hit in robberies and other crimes. While individual liberties are important, we are really now at the stage where we have to weigh the right to ones liberty versus public safety. It is very much the same reason why we ban citizens from wearing the camouflage garbs that are intended for the defense force .