BELIZE CITY, Fri. June 18, 2020– Criminals are now taking advantage of the mandatory wearing of face masks to hide their identities while they commit crimes. A number of robberies have been committed by robbers who enter establishments with masks but initially appear to pose no threat because they appear to be customers. It is now difficult to distinguish robbers from law-abiding citizens going to the store for legitimate purposes.

To address the situation, Commissioner of Police Chester Williams has ordered business owners to place signs on their businesses ordering customers to remove their sunshades and face masks before they enter the businesses.

If a person refuses to comply with the orders, and enters the establishment with their mask, then the store owner will immediately be alerted that a criminal has entered his establishment.