Exeter councillor calls for legalised pepper spray to tackle knife crime

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 7 Oct, 17:19 · Archive

An Exeter councillor proposes legalising pepper spray to reduce knife carrying.

Councillor Ed Hill has proposed that Exeter should host a trial of legalised pepper spray as a way to reduce knife crime in the area. He argues that pepper spray's current classification under firearms legislation encourages some people to carry blades, and that changing this status could help take knives off the streets.

The proposal is expected to be discussed by Devon's largest council. The Exmouth Journal describes the request as 'unexpected', though the outlets provide no further detail on the council's likely response or timeline for any discussion.

How it is being reported

• Exeter could host controversial pepper spray trial under councillor’s planAn unexpected request to propose Exeter host a pepper spray trial looks set to be discussed by Devon’s largest council.Exmouth Journal · 7 Oct, 16:50
• Controversial call to legalise pepper spray in Exeter to take knives off streetCouncillor Ed Hill says pepper spray’s classification under firearms legislation encourages some to carry blades, but that a change could reduce knife crime.DevonLive · 7 Oct, 14:54

In this story: Ed Hill · Exeter · Devon

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