When you run, you should be able to feel free, safe, and focused. But sometimes, we find ourselves in situations that make us feel vulnerable. Almost every runner has had that uncomfortable feeling. Along with making intelligent choices about where you run, what time of day, and if to run in groups, numerous self-defence products exist, such as UK legal self-defence sprays. In this guide, we’ll take a look at the best self-defence sprays for runners and dog walkers. You might also want to read through our guide to the best personal safety alarms for runners and wrist-worn panic alarms for runners. Both guides will explain how these affordable devices can help you feel safer.
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What Are UK Legal Self-Defence Sprays
Unlike some countries, Pepper spray is not legal in the UK, and the products we review should not be confused with pepper spray. We’ll only feature products that are 100% legal alternatives to Pepper spray. UK legal self-defence sprays will act as a deterrent to confuse, startle and distract any would-be attacker; they will not incapacitate them. They do not contain any harmful chemicals or toxins.
Top Self-Defence Sprays
After rigorous testing, extensive research, and valuable user feedback, we present our carefully selected recommendations for self-defence sprays specifically tailored for runners and dog walkers. However, they can be used by anyone who wants extra peace of mind whilst out and about.
Sabre Runner Defence Spray - Best For Runners
- SABRE is the leader in defence spray and personal safety products. Thousands of law enforcement agencies choose SABRE products including the UK Police Forces, New York Police Department and U.S. Marshals.
- Completely legal for possession and use in the UK.
- Lightweight and non-intrusive this, Defence I.D. unit is 30% smaller than the competition. Extremely portable and easy to carry, it includes an adjustable hand strap with reflective logo for instant access
- 35 bursts allows you to mark multiple threats at once. UV & purple marking dye stains skin and lasts 48 hours, helping Police identify offenders
- Impressive 3-meter (10 ft) range delivered in powerful stream to decrease wind blow-back. Designed to startle an attacker and offers time to esc
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
- Legally approved to use in the UK: fully legal for possession and use in the UK. This is a refill to buy after youve used or already purchased the spray with the holder featured above.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
COLT SECURITY Self-Defence Spray - Best For Dog Walkers
- Developed to deter and mark the attacker. Simply press to release and spray the attacker, giving you the necessary time to escape and get help. Colt Security self-defence spray will dye the attackers face and clothes making it easier to locate them.
- Spray comes with a keychain, and has been designed to easily fit along-side your keys. They are the only providers of a self-defence keychain set in the UK to date!
- This spray can land the identifier ink on its target from up to 3 metres!
- bursts allow you to mark multiple threats at once; UV & red marking dye stains skin and lasts 48 hours helping Police identify offende
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
Farbgel New Mini Criminal Identifier Spray - New Product
- Completely legal for possession and use in the UK.
- Compact on-the-go protection: Extremely portable and easy to carry; convenient size allows for instant access or use the strap and keep it in your hand.
- Allows you to mark multiple threats at once; Red marking dye stains skin and Lasts 48 hours helping Police identify offenders
- Impressive 3-meter (10ft) range delivered in powerful stream to decrease wind blowback; designed to startle an attacker, canister gives the impression of Pepper spray and offers time to escape
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
How Do Self-Defence Sprays Work?
These sprays will omit a bright colour dye – often red or purple; some might also give off a foul smell. These sprays can turn the tables. Firstly, the attacker goes from aggressor to victim from power to weakness.
Secondly, the dye serves to pause, confuse, reduce intent, disrupt thought processes and generally disorientate them. Any disorientation caused can give you precious time to run away from any danger. Furthermore, the attacker does not know that the spray is harmless, and the red colour can shock and panic them.
The dye can leave a stain or mark for 48 hours to a week. When marked, any later ID/capture goes from unlikely to very likely. Detectable under a UV lamp, even if washed off, the attacker can be identified afterwards.
Final Thoughts On Self-Defence Spray Effectiveness
Even if you don’t anticipate needing to use the spray, knowing you have a deterrent on hand if the situation arises is reassuring. This knowledge can instil a sense of confidence as you step out the door. However, it’s crucial to familiarise yourself with the proper usage of the spray you carry.
I would recommend purchasing two cans and practising with one of them. Even when the spray is empty, you can use the can to rehearse the drawing and aiming techniques, ensuring that you are well-prepared. Taking these extra steps further enhances your preparedness and self-assurance in unforeseen circumstances.
In this guide, we’ve listed our top picks for UK legal self-defence sprays that are reliable and effective. We hope that this guide has given you useful information so that you can make an informed decision about what type of self-defence spray is best for you.
Sources
Disclaimer: This guide contains affiliate links, and I earn a small commission from any sale that occurs via my links. This, however, does not change my opinion; I always do my best to provide the facts and suggest products that will benefit my users. You pay no more and no less for using these links. It does, however, help to sustain my blog.
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