Legal Weapons

Andrew_Ryan_89

Hi guys,

Weird topic and I'm sorry if this is not the correct forum. I travel a lot and my girlfriend is often in the house by herself. In the past she has had problem with stalkers and other threats even coming from her family.

I was thinking of getting her a weapon for when I am not around and just wanted to know the legal side of things. I know that stun guns and pepper spray are illegal for the most part, I wanted to know if you can get these items with some kind of licence?

Similar to a handgun

phatbear

Andrew_Ryan_89 wrote: »

I was thinking of getting her a weapon for when I am not around and just wanted to know the legal side of things. I know that stun guns and pepper spray are illegal for the most part, I wanted to know if you can get these items with some kind of licence?

Stun guns and pepper sprays are both section 5 firearms, so in the same category as 9mm pistols/machine guns etc in other words you arent going to get a licence.

unforeseen

Anything you get as a weapon is illegal.

Even if she keeps a 10 inch carving knife by her side while watching TV for example, would also be classed as a weapon.

It is not so much what the weapon physically is. There are a lot of things in a house that can be used as a weapon. It is the intent, hence a carving knife at your side in the lounge without chopping board etc will be seen as a weapon if anything happened, because there is no other evidence as the reason for its presence

phil24_7

A weapon can be used (whether this is a bat/knife/firearm) quite legally but it must be a reasonable response (reasonable force) or that you had an honestly held belief you were in danger (pre-emptive strike) and that there is some evidence of this.

I have 2 baseball bats by the front door with balls. These are kept with my trainers and coats and are kept together should I need to play sports at very short notice. The wife also has a rounders bat beside the bed (if someone gets there then there would be an honestly held belief that somebody's life or well-being was being threatened). I also know where all of my saws/stanley knives/cooking knives/nail guns are should I need them in a hurry (like urgent DIY).

Intent is a grey area as far as I am concerned, as I fully intend to defend myself using as much reasonable force as is necessary, regardless of the outcome to my attacker!

phil24_7

The trick is to use something that has a very common and innocuous use. A claw hammer, snooker cue, bat, metal bar anything your comfortable holding and using. Just make sure they don't look out of place!

jackyann

I know it is not what you asked, but I would contact your local crime prevention officer. They will look around and give you lots of handy tips about keeping safe.
You may think it is just common sense, but I find that when I talk to them, they tell you about particular local issues, and are really helpful.

Also, if she has received threats, then she should inform the police anyway. Depending on the exact situation, they will give specific advice - usually in conjunction with local Domestic Abuse organisations. (forgive me if you are already down that route)

The problem about any type of "weapon" is that very few people can use it effectively, and everything ends up much worse. Far, far better to prevent, or know how to summon help quickly. I have found the police extremely helpful.

TBagpuss

It's also worth bearing in mind that any weapon can be used against you.

Its far more likely that anyone breaking into the house is after stuff to sell than that they are intending to hurt the occupant, so going after them with a weapon is likely to escalate things and increase the risk to your partner.

Does she feel unsafe? It might be more effective to suggest that she looks into taking self-defence lessons, or learning a form of martial arts.

It would also be sensible to look at the security of your home - talk to your local crime prevention officer. There may be relatively easy things which you could do to make your home much less attractive to thieves.

Silver-Surfer_2

phil24_7 wrote: »

The trick is to use something that has a very common and innocuous use. A claw hammer, snooker cue, bat, metal bar anything your comfortable holding and using. Just make sure they don't look out of place!

I think you need to follow your own advice. Unless of course your not up to the job and that's the wife's legitimate excuse for the rounders bat. :D

stator

If you are really worried the best things you can do are
1) Secure the house. All doors and windows to prevent someone forcing them. Never leave windows open a crack, they can be crowbarred.
2) Make sure you can see who is ringing your door bell before you open the door. Get a camera or peep hole
3) Create a panic room. Somewhere secure you can lock yourself that can't be 'kicked in'. Could be a bedroom or walk in wardrobe or bathroom etc
4) Have a panic alarm/switch next to the bed and front door. Have landline phones in strategic places.

If you start brandishing a weapon at an intruder it's more likely they will take the weapon from you and use it against you. Best bet is to hide and call the police.

I keep olbas oil next to my bed for legitimate reasons, I have chronic rhinitis, but I often wondered if it would make a good way of defending yourself as when you accidentally get it near your eyes it does sting a lot.

kev_min

The Mrs keeps one of these under her car seat in case of breakdowns or whatever http://www.amazon.co.uk/Mag-Lite-6D-Cell-Size-Black/dp/B0002JT3JS/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1459610337&sr=8-3&keywords=6+cell+maglite but they may be usefull to keep in the home just in case the lights go out!

David_Aston

A copper told me a four cell mag lite that's the one that takes U2 size batteries, by the side of the bed would be reasonable!