aj

With so many stories regarding pick pockets in some European cities is was wondering if pepper spray is something that could be used against the would be thieves?

david west

Certainly not in UK. You could get into serious trouble for carrying it here. Other countries...who knows. However there is not a huge problem with pick pockets here, apart from the very touristy places and bits of the underground. However usual urban awareness will see you alright.

Ed

I belive it's illegal in most western European countries. <BR> <BR>A more important question, though. How are you planning on getting it there? It is, I think, forbidden by the FAA as either a carry on or checked luggage item. Imagine the route of the plane were the spray to go off and get to the cockpit. <BR> <BR>There are, by the way, far more "stories about" pick pockets than pick pockets in Europe. Pepper spray, or a gun, wouldn't do you much good unless you stay aware of your surroundings. If you're not aware you're being pickpocketed the Mace is likely to be unused. <BR> <BR>Of course you could always spray everyone within 10 feet of you as you walk about town. ;-) <BR> <BR>Stay aware of where you are, what's going on around you, and take sensible precautions to protect valuables. <BR> <BR>You'll have no trouble at all, almost guaranteed. More likely than not you'll see no trouble.In any event you're at much smaller risk in all of western Europe of being mugged or gunned down on the streets than in many major cities in the US. <BR> <BR>Ed

Tony Hughes

It's allowed in Belgium from what I can gather - may be wrong, though. <BR> <BR>You face a jail sentence if you use it in Britain. Not sure about posession only.

elvira

Standing rule for self-defense: never fight for possessions. Pepper spray and the like is intended to protect humans, not their possessions. Since pickpockets by nature are non-violent, you won't be in a situation where you are being assaulted. If you up the ante by attacking with a weapon (spray, gun, etc.)to protect your wallet (!?), you are now the aggressor.<BR>The best protection from dips is - make it hard for them to get your stuff. Zipped pockets, moneybelts, handbags or totes with zippers and clasps...and most of all, awareness of your surroundings are better protection than any weapon.

Liz

The stories of pick-pockets in Europe is much exagerated. <BR> <BR>I am from the UK and my friends and I travel in mainland Europe a lot. In 20 years, I have only known one friend get pickpocketed in Rome (he chased the girl, grabbed her and got his wallet back - not really recommended), but that's the only time any of us have been pickpocketed. <BR> <BR>In the UK, thefts from cars and houses are much more common than theft from the person.