retailers.

Labour and Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess revealed plans for the advertising scheme in a bid to encourage a voluntary ban on helmet wearing in stores, businesses and service stations.

Mr. Burgess said he was keen to work with the retail sector to improve public safety and cut the risk of crime -- in the light of recent robberies where the perpetrators have worn helmets to conceal their identity.

He said they would consider anything that the private sector found acceptable, adding they didn't want to get into a situation where legislation was the only option.

"Wherever we can get people to act in a voluntary way, that is much better than legislation,'' he said. "I am encouraged. Let's hope the private sector can play a part.'' And the retailers themselves have welcomed the campaign.

But some have urged caution in any moves to outlaw the wearing of headgear by law, saying it would be hard to police and could frighten customers off.

Many already utilise notices on their entrances and exits, and some go as far as instructing staff to ask customers to take off helmets when inside their premises.

MarketPlace stores have in place signs but a spokesman said they would not force customers to take off their helmets, although they would prefer them to do so.

"It is not a ban,'' said the spokesman. "People tend to take them off when they see the sign.'' But he added that stores have to be careful how far they insist on people removing helmets, to avoid upsetting them and therefore possibly losing their business.

"There is a fine line, we are doing everything in a low key way -- it is a balancing act.'' But he added that if legislation was introduced or if a consensus of retailers were for a complete ban, then MarketPlace would comply.

Bosses at Shell service stations across the Island determine their own policy when it comes to helmets, but advice is given by head office when requested.

Shell marketing manager Stanley Marshall said in some stations staff would not serve customers, either on the forecourt or in the shop, who did not remove their helmets.

But he said it was left up to individual stations to formulate exactly how they dealt with the helmet issue.

An Esso spokesman said they were aware of the use of helmets during robberies and said the question of dealing with the issue may be raised at regular meetings with station operators.

Maxwell Burgess Graphic file name: MAXXI BUSINESS BUC