UKC

Im getting a bit worried about someone whos having a bit (a lot) of hassle from an guy she doesnt know the name of. Shes realy reluctant to go to the police as she thinks its making a fuss and doesnt think its that serious, even though ive tried to convince her.

As of yet, he hasnt done anything directly threatening, but his behaviour is very imposing and hes definately singled her out over a period of weeks. Is it legal to use mace/pepper spray (whatever its called) in this country? I cant find it for sale on any UK sites but I can quite easily get it shipped from america by the looks of things.

My mate has told me its legal to buy it and keep it in your house, just like a kitchen knife, but its illegal to carry it outside etc? But hes unsure and said it best to check for definate.

I want to help her, but without making a fuss. Itd just put my mind at ease.

Any ideas?

At the end of the day, if shes just going to get a slap on the wrist for carrying it, id probably get her one anyway then shed have the choise, just for a few weeks to carry when she works late, until hes either lost interest or she takes it as a real threat and reports him. I think everyone would rather have a small chance of getting into trouble with the police than be defenseless if that kind of situation arose.

Hes got her number some how, knows her name and college and has waited places in a car calling her name. He hasnt shown his face yet. Im sure hed be easy enough to trace with his phone number, but she just wont go to the police, and i dont want to hassle her anymore about it as shes uncomfortable about it.

Mat

In reply to matnoo:

As far as I'm aware it's illegal.

In reply to matnoo: I'm almost certain it's illegal, and the penalties for carrying it are sure to be more than a slapped wrist.
Your friend has said she's relucant to go to the Police. If that's the case, she'd probably be even more reluctant to use something like mace if the situation arose.
I personally don't have a problem with myself or anyone carrying something highly illegal if the situation warrants it, but if something happens and she's not mentally prepared to use something to it's maximum effect she'll probably end up in a far worse state than if she carried nothing.
You're far better to persuade her to contact the police.

In reply to matnoo:

I'd suggest she goes straight to the police. Really.

In reply to Charlotte in Anni's Basement: On no account allow your friend to buy or carry any kind of pepper or cs spray, they are all illegal in the uk, I should know I used to be a police instructor in their use. Police officers are only allowed to carry these kind of things on duty and the equipment is locked in secure safes when not in use. Your friend could commit all kinds of serious Firearms Act offences for using or possessing what is to the law a prohibited weapon, so could anyone who aids and abetts their use or possession.

Harrassment of any kind is taken very seriously by all uk police forces and if your friend wishes to sort this matter at an early stage I suggest she visits the local station asap.

Hope this helps

In reply to matnoo:

It counts as a firearm, I understand.

Definately not worth getting caught with.

James

In reply to matnoo: Matt - she has GOT to go to the police...

Tell her to log down when he is harrassing her - the police will need this - but she must do something about it.

In reply to Rothermere:

Too true. May as well go the whole hog and get a decent 9mm.

In reply to Chris Moody: It may be different now. I had a very bad experience when I first moved to London. A guy started hanging around my house and flashing at me. One day he followed me in - I eventually got him out by threatening to break his legs, but it really freaked me out. I went round to the police (in Leyton) but they didnt seem all that interested at all - they said they would keep an eye out. I was absolutely petrified what this guy might do, specially as I was a) only 21 at the time and b) living on my own for the first time and c)my future housemates were not due for another week.
I went back to the house feeling so scared this guy was going to break in that I spent the night sitting up awake with a big kitchen knife. The next day I arranged to stay with relations until my housemates arrived. Once they were back i felt brave enough to confront him next time he turned up - to my amazement once he could see I was no longer scared of him he never reappeared. I never once heard back from the police. I would really like to hear from some of the police climbers on this site that my experience would not be repeated today, because looking back on it I think its outrageous that a young woman on her own being picked out in this way (and it felt very threatening) should have received so little support. I also wonder what the outcome would have been if he had tried to force his way in again and I had used the knife on him - I suspect I would have found myself in court since having the knife to hand was premeditated.

PS dont take the psycho_barbie user name too seriously for this post - the story isnt made up and it was honestly a very frightening situation

In reply to matnoo:


use a stun gun instead

In reply to matnoo: The law in relation to harassment is now quite comprehensive and has several strands dependant on the type and severity of the conduct by the person harassing. Even sending threats etc by text messages can be dealt with under the legislation and there are several ways that the police can proceed. I would still say report the matter and let the person harassing get the message that he may be subject to proceedings if they continues.

In reply to Rothermere: definetley correct. A man from Aberdeen recently was sentenced to 2 years for carrying CS gas spray, it is regarded as a weapon, no matter who you are and what it might be used for.

Shop the *astard, or at least ask for police to step in and investigate. Weirdos like this should be drowned!

In reply to Joel:

Stun guns are also illeagal under the various firearms act.

I think it is a lot easier to get a permit for a shotgun than for pepper spray or a taser...

But for a serious answer: go to the police.

In reply to almost sane:

I'm not sure whether those self-defence weapons are really a good idea anyway. In a worst case scenario they'd only get turned against the person who's trying to defend themselves.

In reply to matnoo:

Mace is definitely illegal, but a while ago I came across a legal alternative: It's basically a loud attack alarm, but it also sprays blue dye to temporarily blind an attacker. It's the stuff that stains for days too, like they use in cash boxes. Not sure where to find it though.

In reply to matnoo:

Give him a severe kicking. Simple.

In reply to matnoo: Mace is a section 4 Firearm and therefore illegal unless you have lawfull authority to carry. Far better is to tell your friend to keep a diary of everything that happens and go to the police, The 1997 Protection From Harrassment act covers this behaviour potentially. It is really important to keep a diary because you need to show a "course of action".

However, attack alarms are legal and I would recommend one, I bought my mother one and she rarely goes out without it. Also available are cannisters of spray that mark an attacker or foam up and block thier vision. They are legal, but there use would constitue an assault so they should only be used in self defence. They are not perfect but I feel one of these if used properly could give the few seconds needed to escape or call for help.