Should the public be allowed to carry pepper spray? Are there legal alternatives!

An education feature for Catch a Thief UK by Farrah McNutt

A petition currently circulating across the UK has been signed by thousands of people demanding the legal right for members of the public to carry incapacitant sprays (such as pepper spray) for their self‑defence, especially in light of rising knife‑crime and street violence. While the motive behind the petition is understandable, the legal reality remains more complex and simply carrying a spray may expose you to serious criminal risk.

Image: Catch a Thief UK

This article explores:

1. What the current law in the UK actually allows (and forbids).

2. Recent crime statistics showing how big the risk is.

3. The legal penalties you face if you carry or use prohibited items.

4. How everyday items can be considered weapons, depending on intent.

5. Legal, practical self‑defence solutions recommended by Catch a Thief UK.

6. Available funding streams for training and safety equipment.

7. Why public preparedness is so important while policy debates continue.

1. What the law says

In the UK, sprays designed to incapacitate (commonly called pepper spray or OC spray) are illegal for general public carry, importation or use. They are classed as prohibited weapons under relevant legislation and are subject to seizure and criminal prosecution.

Under the Prevention of Crime Act 1953 and other laws, an object carried in a public place can be treated as an “offensive weapon” if the carrier has it with the intention to use it to cause injury. This means that even benign items (for example a can of body‑spray or a heat‑spray) can become legally problematic if used or carried for self‑defence.

Merely stating “I carried it for self‑defence” is not a guaranteed legal defence. The courts look at the totality of circumstances—including intent, reasonableness of the force, whether less dangerous means were available, and whether the response was proportionate.

In short: the petition’s aim may be valid, but until the law changes, carrying pepper spray remains a legal risk.

2. Recent knife‑crime & homicide data

According to national UK statistics (England & Wales):

For the year ending March 2024: police‑recorded “knife‑enabled offences” numbered around 50,510; homicides involving a knife or sharp instrument were around 262.

For the year ending March 2025: offences involving knives or sharp instruments were approximately 53,047; total recorded homicides were 535 across England & Wales (across all means).

These figures underscore that violent threats remain a real concern. They also illustrate why people are seeking better self‑protection options. However, high crime rates do not automatically relax the legal rules around weapons or sprays.

3. The risk of prosecution

Carrying or using a prohibited spray or other weapon can lead to serious consequences:

Possession or importation of prohibited incapacitant sprays may lead to seizure of the item, arrest, and potentially custodial sentences depending on the harm caused and the facts of the case.

Carrying an item that is or becomes an “offensive weapon” likewise carries legal risk. The key legal tests include intent, public place, and whether the response was reasonable and proportionate.

Even use of a “legal” item (such as handcuffs) must be justified, or you may face liability for unlawful detention or assault.

Therefore, any self‑defence strategy must be built around legality, not just practicality.

4. Everyday items can be weapons

One of the lesser‑understood legal points is: apparently innocuous items can be treated as a weapon if carried with a weapon‑type intent. For example:

A can of body‑spray (such as Lynx) or a Deep Heat spray may, in the eyes of the law, become an offensive weapon if used to injure or intending to injure.

The difference lies in the intent, the circumstances, and how the item is used or carried.

This underscores why leaned‑down, measured, legal tools are far safer.

5. Legal, practical self‑defence solutions (Catch a Thief UK’s recommendations)

Here are lawful tools and training you can deploy now to protect yourself and others, stay within the law, and reduce risk before emergency services arrive.

Red non‑toxic dye / identifier sprays

These are legal to carry (provided they contain non‑noxious dye/ink, not incapacitating agents) and allow you to mark an assailant visibly (and sometimes under UV). This aids identification by police and serves as a deterrent.

b. Handcuffs for public use (with training)

You can legally buy police‑style handcuffs (commonly circa £60 for good quality models in the UK). The key is training: completing a recognised handcuff application course (typical recent market price around £80‑£120 for a one‑day session) is strongly recommended so you understand legal issues, safe application, aftercare, and the difference between lawful restraint and unlawful detention.

c. Training in behavioural analysis, self‑defence, de‑escalation and control & restraint

Rather than relying on “weapons,” building the skillset to recognise escalation, manage conflict, and apply lawful restraint is far more effective. Combine that with first‑aid / trauma response training to handle the aftermath of an incident.

d. Personal alarms and audible deterrents

These are low‑cost, legal, non‑violent tools that draw attention and often deter an attacker — especially in public spaces.

e. Community preparedness and first‑aid / trauma kits

Because the police may arrive after an incident, equipping yourself with knowledge and kit (e.g., a simple stop‑the‑bleed kit) improves outcomes. Training plus equipment helps fill the “gap” between an incident and emergency‑services arrival.

6. Funding available for training & equipment

Good news: there are several funding streams and grants available in the UK that can help you, your community group or voluntary security team access training and equipment. Here are some key ones:

Security Industry Authority (SIA) the regulator’s “Grants for Good Causes” fund awarded over £72,000 to 7 charities/community interest companies in 2023‑2024 to support training, public protection and awareness‑raising around weapon prevention.

Neighbourhood Watch Network – their Community Grants Fund provides up to £500 for crime‑prevention projects (including knife crime awareness, street harassment prevention) for registered local watches.

Local Police & Crime Commissioner Funds – e.g., the Hertfordshire Police & Crime Commissioner provided free female personal‑safety classes via a grant.

Local Community Safety Funds – for example, the “Community Safety Initiative Fund” in Essex offers grants between £500 and £2,000 for projects that improve personal and public safety, reduce anti‑social behaviour, or fund training/equipment.

City & Guilds Foundation Local Community Skills Fund – grants up to around £6,000 (max £10,000) to community organisations for training and skills projects; though not explicitly self‑defence, it could cover relevant training if framed correctly.

Application tip: Many funds favour community‑based proposals rather than individual purchases. If you’re a voluntary group, local watch, neighbourhood team or security‑volunteer network, you’ll have stronger chances if you can show how the training/equipment will benefit others, reduce risk, or build community resilience.

7. Why this matters right now

Times are changing. The police often arrive after a violent incident has begun. The real question is: what can you, me, and our community do to fill the gap between the moment something goes wrong and when help arrives?

We all have a role to play, however small! That can mean the difference between life and death, chaos and calm. Self‑preservation becomes preservation of others. Training becomes not just a personal asset but a community safeguard.

While the legal status of pepper spray remains under debate, you don’t have to wait for policy change to act. Use what the law allows now, train wisely, equip legally, stay vigilant and build community resilience.

Final word

Yes: the petition for pepper spray is understandable. Yes: people want effective self‑defence. But self‑defence is not simply about the tool it’s about legal, proportionate, prepared response.

Carry legal tools, get proper training, use your resources intelligently, and seek funding support if you’re organising or volunteering to keep others safe. The old world of “just hope the police arrive” is giving way to a new world of prepared, empowered citizens and communities. Let’s lead it.

Image: Catch a Thief UK