Umbrella problems

Jojo_the_Tightfisted

The police are well aware of these umbrellas. Any that claim to have not heard of them before have either been in suspended animation for the last ten years or have zero long term recall.

They're quite obviously not swords. The big umbrella shaped bit where there would be a slim, curved sword shaped bit is the giveaway - and a young lad, a girl, man or woman carrying an umbrella on their back isn't waving it around trying to scare silly pensioners.


A grumpy copper taking his bad mood out on a young lad isn't grounds to take it off him - chances are he would have had a go about looking funny or something, or not wanting to make eye contact meaning he was hiding something, etc. Being a young man is always most likely to mean attracting the attention of the police at some point.

Tiddlywinks

Peanuckle wrote: »

We live out in the middle of nowhere so it's at least a mile walk to the nearest bus route so as you can imagine a strong umbrella is a requirement.

I commute regularly along a route which is like a wind tunnel - no brolly has ever survived - that's why I now wear a Gore-Tex jacket with a hood. Waterproof, breathable and packable: sorted.

Lara44 wrote: »

BTW - I do think the police should have talked to him first, rather than just grabbing it off him.

Let me flip that suggestion... officers see what they think may be a dangerous weapon. Police talk to individual only to find that he is unhinged and is walking along looking for his first confrontation and draws the sword and attacks a passer by... you see how that might play out?

Damned if they do, damned if they don't - operational decisions are made on the spur of the moment and then debated at length by others (from the comfort and safety of an armchair or desk) well after the event.

anguk wrote: »

Maybe but look at it from the police's point of view, they see someone carrying what looks like a sword, they don't know it's an umbrella so have to assume it's a weapon.

Absolutely!

Peanuckle

Tiddlywinks wrote: »

I commute regularly along a route which is like a wind tunnel - no brolly has ever survived - that's why I now wear a Gore-Tex jacket with a hood. Waterproof, breathable and packable: sorted.

sadly this is where the Asperger's kicks in, he can't cope with anything around his head, like a hood for example.

RacyRed

Look at the product description!

This high quality umbrella has a handle, which is a careful replica of one from an authentic samurai sword. It comes with a nylon scabbard

I see that it is manufactured in the US. You are allowed to carry guns there too.

Personally, I think it is a poor choice of umbrella for any young man. That pic shows it from the back, from the front all you would see is a samurai handle sticking up above his shoulder. Is the umbrella really worth the risk?

What about this as an alternative?

Or these?

or this one, which can be carried over the shoulder or on a belt.

Abbafan1972

I must admit I've never seen these before and I wouldn't risk carrying one around.

I guess in this crazy world, it won't be long before umbrellas themselves will be banned, as they could be used as "weapons". :mad:

Moneymaker

Abbafan1972 wrote: »

I guess in this crazy world, it won't be long before umbrellas themselves will be banned, as they could be used as "weapons". :mad:

True. Where I live, stray dogs are a problem so I carry an umbrella to defend myself. In my case it's definitely a weapon but less obvious than a pointed stick!

pulliptears

Jojo_the_Tightfisted wrote: »

They're quite obviously not swords. The big umbrella shaped bit where there would be a slim, curved sword shaped bit is the giveaway - and a young lad, a girl, man or woman carrying an umbrella on their back isn't waving it around trying to scare silly pensioners.

Would your average person know that? Doubtful. I'd have to look twice and I'm reasonably familiar with a samurai sword.

I've been reading this thread from the off and for me I've thought all along that this is all about minimising risk to the lad. Whilst he has that on his back he is running a risk that a member of the public will see him and report him as walking through a town carrying a sword, something the Police will have to follow up. Aside from the costs involved to the Police there will be the upset involved to the lad.

Personally OP I think you need to find a way to part him from this now to avoid more trouble later.

Peanuckle

Just to note, the one he has isn't exactly the same as those photos, his has a slightly shorter cover so the top of the umbrella is visible and the hilt is plain black and textured. The photos were the closest I could find on the net but I didn't even consider it was based on a sword when he was given it as it looked just like an umbrella with a straight handle.

We've come to a compromise, he'll use it when he's staying local to the house and the next village but not take it when he heads into the city for college etc. I've spoken to our community police and they are aware he has it and are happy for him to continue (there are a team of about 8 who cover the area concerned so that shouldn't be a problem) but we'll be sorting an alternative for college days.
I've been looking at the ones people have linked to which have straps on them and will show him later. The prices of some are downright scary though, £50 for a brolly??

[Deleted User]

How about getting him one of these?
http://www.firebox.com/product/4959/Star-Wars-Anakin-Lightsaber-Umbrella





And hope the police don't think a lightsabre is an actual weapon

I once had to carry a foil (fencing sword) for a friend, and took advice from my housemate's rugby team-member (who was a rapid response armed policeman). Even though it wasn't illegal to carry, he told me to make sure no part of it was visible, as people may still report it.

The problem is, it's not 'obviously' an umbrella when over his shoulder. Maybe painting the handle with orange/yellow stripes would be a solution?

[Deleted User]

Forgot to mention - if he does get pulled over by the police for carrying a lightsabre, you could call up the daily mail and have a nice article out of it