People may be forced to take off their helmets when entering commercial premises.

The Government has said it may consider new legislation to enforce a ban on customers wearing safety headgear inside businesses, in particular in shops and gas stations.

Home Affairs Minister Maxwell Burgess issued the warning last night after it was revealed that retailers were not getting the message over stopping people entering their premises with helmets on.

A month since a stark warning over crime committed by those donning headgear to mask their appearance, both Government and industry officials are disappointed that the campaign has not been adopted universally.

They have urged shops and especially gas stations to act immediately and take on the initiative.

"If people are not prepared to adhere to the message on a voluntary basis, there is a possibility of doing something within the law,'' said Mr. Burgess.

"It has got to be in their best interests. I don't want another person to be hurt before we take on board this important message.'' The call -- echoed by the Bermuda Hotel Association which first took the idea on board -- follows a robbery at a Southampton gas station last week, in which the culprit was wearing a helmet.

BHA executive director John Harvey said commercial enterprises, particularly gas stations, should act now, in the interests of their customers and staff.

He said Mr. Burgess had done his best to promote the scheme but the "penny hadn't dropped yet''.

"It seems to me when Maxwell Burgess urged all commercial establishments to adopt the policy, the first would have been gas stations, even though they may believe this is causing some inconvenience to their patrons.'' In July hotels and other guest accommodations banned people from wearing helmets inside their premises, by signs announcing the policy and enforcement by staff.

Mr. Burgess added he didn't want to take a legislative course of action unless forced to do so.

The move was initiated by Det. Sgt. Tracey Adams, after Police investigated two supermarket robberies where helmets were worn.

CRIME CRM