Self protection?

[justasking]

Just wondering, what are we allowed to carry with us for protection against muggers, rapists etc. I know that we can carry alarms that make a loud noise when set off but are we allowed to carry any weapons eg, mace or anything?

[ReinaLuna]

I know we can carry pepper spray and I am actually planning to buy one soon. Can't cope with the madness of the bully neighbours we have downstairs and I am decided that next time they shout at us or threaten my boyfriend with "I will slit your throat" I will spray his hole face with it.

[alijangra]

It is illegal to use pepper spray in the UK, it is classed as an offensive weapon.

[ReinaLuna]

Strange, that wasn't what somebody told me, now I don't know if I believe her or you, so I might have to do some research online.... thanks anyway!

[Joe_the_Lion]

It is not illegal to use pepper spray, it is illegal to HAVE it. FULL STOP. The only exeception is if you have a class 5 Firearms authority, because as it gives off a "noxious substance" it is classified as a Firearm as opposed to offensive weapon. This authority is only given to the Police and some Home Office security sections.

Basically you are not allowed to carry ANY item for protection. The "just in case" scenario is well documented in law, and is just not allowed.

However, if any attack is emminent there and then or the use of force is needed to protect life and YOUR property, then anything to hand can be used reasonably.

Keys are probably the best.

[Ethel]

Pepper spray is illegal for civilians in the UK.

This is fully legal:

http://www.vestguard.co.uk/productselect.php?t _id=13%20&t_name=Bouncer%20Spray


Be aware, however, that the user could be prosecuted for a range of offences for using it - exactly as you could for throwing cold water or anything else at a person.

[Joe_the_Lion]

Ethel, interesting read.

The "Bouncer Spray" may not be illegal under sect 5 of the firearm act, but surely its sole purpose would make it an offence per se under The Offensive Weapons Act in that is MADE for the use of offence.

Therefore decreeing it an offense to have in public, period.

[ReinaLuna]

hahaahahaa I like the part of the text (from the link) that states:
"Bouncer Spray works by emitting a cloud of repulsive odour..."

Thought they were talking about farts!
And I don't need to pay almost �13, stinky gases are free...

[redcrx]

it wouldnt be unusual for a woman to carry a small aerosol of hairspray or deodorant in her handbag. The shock of spraying that in an attackers face could give her enough time to escape from any danger and is not illegal to carry.

Also, as said before, keys can be a dangerous weapon. I always carry mine in my hand so the keys are protruding through my fingers.

[johnlambert]

No offence redcrx but by the time you have opened your handbag, rummaged through all the 100,0001 items that you ladies like to carry in there, found your tin of harmony hairspray (fragrance free extra hold), took the lid off, pointed it at your assailant and pressed the nozzle, your attacker will be tucked up in bed.
The law is very clear, you CAN NOT carry any item for the purpose of protection, you may however use reasonable force to defend yourself.

[redcrx]

lol John, Im well aware of that! id have to root through my bottomless handbag too. What i meant was that if you were going to use any spray and keep in handbag that a deodorant would be better than an illegal substance like mace.
I personally think keys best as theyre in my hand as i walk to car.

[johnlambert]

I was taught Aikido as a means of passive self defence, I'm also studying Law at Uni, keys used in that manner could be seen as a weapon as joe_the_lion pointed out, "just in case" is not allowed, and that is how an attackers defence solicitor would argue it.

[Joe_the_Lion]

redcrx, if you do carry an aerosol may I suggest you carry a lighter as well.

Light the spray and set fire to the bar steward.