Saskatoon police are working with store owners to put a stop to a recent spike in armed robberies.

The number of armed holdups of convenience stores, jewellery shops, and pharmacies has increased so police are launching the "Unmask Crime" initiative.

The Saskatoon Police Service said the majority of robbers cover their faces with anything from a hoodie to a mask to a scarf.

"Walking down the street's fine with a balaclava on, said Staff Sergeant Brett Maki. "When you're coming in to a nice warm environment, I don't think that it's too much for them to ask to remove their tuques and remove their scarves."

As part of the new initiative, business owners can display Unmask Crime signage in their stores. The signs let customers know staff could ask them to remove the clothing that is concealing their face.

So far, only one local business, the Good Food Junction grocery store has signed on. The store was robbed a couple of weeks ago, and staff hope the new program will keep the store safer.

"We get a lot of customers that come in with their faces covered, and it makes us feel uncomfortable," said store supervisor Shauna James. "So, this way, with the signs saying to take it off, we can see what they look like, and we don't need to worry as much."

As well as consulting with businesses, police have spoken with religious and ethnic groups during the development of the program. The city's Muslim associations said they didn't have a problem with the initiative.