Self Defence Sprays - Criminal Identifier Sprays - Are They Legal?

 

 

We all know that UK laws are totally different from USA laws, especially self defense products. Note the spelling defense was intentional, the US way. CS Gas, Mace, Pepper Sprays and other self-defense sprays are not legal in the UK. They are offensive weapons and there is no reason for you to carry them on your person.

If you were to ask a UK police officer; "Are there any legal self defence products that I can buy?".

You are likely to be told, "The only fully legal self-defence product at the moment is a rape alarm. There are other self defence products which claim to be legal (non toxic sprays). However until a case is brought before the court we cannot say that they are legal. "

That is isn't to say that if you purchase a self defence spray such as Dyejet for example, you will be clamped in irons. Obvious illegal self defence items are High voltage electric 'stun guns', Pepper sprays, CS gas canisters and other self defence sprays, High-powered air rifles, Martial Arts weapons such as Death stars and Swordsticks, Knives that have a concealed blade or a sharp point such as Belt buckle blades.

The makers of self defence sprays such as Dyejet, StoppaRed and Xmarker are probably eagerly awaiting a legal outcome where a judge rules that owning a non-toxic self-defence sprays are perfectly legal.

Manufacturers of Dyejet have geared their product to be 'overt', you wear it like a badge. It would be very difficult for anyone to deem it as a concealed weapon.

Dyejet is an atomiser type canister, each containing a unique DNA registered to the holder. When sprayed upon a person it marks the attacker with a blue dye and the unique DNA that can be traced back to the owner. It has no toxic chemicals.

Dyejettheoffender website claims "it is quite legal to own or use a dyejettheoffender. It is not an offensive weapon. Dyejet the offender, is a defence apparatus adapted to be carried on the person for use in the event of personal attack at the owner's discretion"

Criminal Identifier spray Stoppa Red UV is a pocket sized canister that expels a thick, slimy red 'goo' that sticks to an attacker. It contains UV dyes, which can identify them days later.

X-Marker sprays an attacker with a thick, bright blue foam. This blocks their eyesight temporarily giving you enough time to get away. The attacker is stained blue for up to three days, aiding identification.

X-Marker makers say this: Section 5(1) (b) of the Firearms Act 1968 prohibits any weapon or whatever description designed or adapted for the discharge of any noxious liquid, gas or other thing. Thus, because X-Marker doesn't contain any substances, a court in this country may consider noxious and the can itself is not designed to discharge a noxious substance, it is not prohibited by section 5(1) (b) and does not come under the control of the firearms legislation. It is important to remember that X-Marker is fully legal when used as a self defence product. It must not be used in any other way as this may result in criminal or civil proceedings.