Here’s a better idea, allow people to carry certain self defence items.
It’s been clear for a while that the Met can’t be arsed to actually protect the people of London - there’s no preventative, retrospective or any kind of action for most “petty” crime, as long as you don’t get stabbed, you get a case number that gets closed off, and have fun dealing with your insurance company who’ll make you pay an exorbitant premium and still refuse to cover certain items.
I’d agree with the ban of self defence items if policing was in place that would prevent petty crime like pickpockets and muggings and robberies, but the police has devolved into a ticketing system thanks to the Tories restricting budgets and selling off assets that would’ve generated income… and until the Met is restored to a properly functioning institution - including a serious revamp regarding the rampant racism, sexism, etc. taking place between the officers - people need a way to defend themselves without relying on the police.
I don’t see any reason pepper spray should be banned. Even if the police are on top of things, they cant be everywhere. Pepper spray sucks but it doesn’t cause any damage, if used outside. Not useful in the tube. Tasers can cause burns, and can be dangerous to people with certain medical conditions.
But the met uses both of those on civilians.
As a woman the only option is a rape alarm and hope a friendly stranger is close enough to hear and respond. Or a 3in non locking pocket knife. Which is not great for defense.
Maybe allow women to carry something for self defense other than a rape whistle? Just a thought
Here’s a better idea, allow people to carry certain self defence items.
It’s been clear for a while that the Met can’t be arsed to actually protect the people of London - there’s no preventative, retrospective or any kind of action for most “petty” crime, as long as you don’t get stabbed, you get a case number that gets closed off, and have fun dealing with your insurance company who’ll make you pay an exorbitant premium and still refuse to cover certain items.
I’d agree with the ban of self defence items if policing was in place that would prevent petty crime like pickpockets and muggings and robberies, but the police has devolved into a ticketing system thanks to the Tories restricting budgets and selling off assets that would’ve generated income… and until the Met is restored to a properly functioning institution - including a serious revamp regarding the rampant racism, sexism, etc. taking place between the officers - people need a way to defend themselves without relying on the police.
I don’t see any reason pepper spray should be banned. Even if the police are on top of things, they cant be everywhere. Pepper spray sucks but it doesn’t cause any damage, if used outside. Not useful in the tube. Tasers can cause burns, and can be dangerous to people with certain medical conditions.
But the met uses both of those on civilians. As a woman the only option is a rape alarm and hope a friendly stranger is close enough to hear and respond. Or a 3in non locking pocket knife. Which is not great for defense.