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.