So, what is an "Offensive Weapon" anyway??

Orionaut

Orionaut

Orionaut

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So, a couple of weeks ago I took a trip to London.

On the tube journey home, somebody got on and sat down opposite me carrying a claw hammer. (Not in a bag or anything, he was carrying it, nursing it in his lap)

Now, If this had been a butchers knife i would have expected (well hoped anyway) that security would have been all over him like Flies on ****.

But a claw hammer, in a pair of determined hands, is only slightly less potentially lethal.

What other, potentially lethal, items is it considerer acceptable to openly carry in public these days?

Stilson Wrench? Hatchet? Steel Mallet? Large Screwdriver? Crowbar? etc etc
 
I'm sure a police officer would have pulled him up on it if seen? Anything can be an offensive weapon, depends on the intent. I've carried muskets and swords on public transport before.
 
Uther said:
I'm sure a police officer would have pulled him up on it if seen? Anything can be an offensive weapon, depends on the intent. I've carried muskets and swords on public transport before.
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On the way to Waterloo station by any chance? :D
 
An offensive weapon is generally one that calls you a prat when you use it. My wife is offended by her rolling pin every time she batters me with it.
 
Diddums said:
An offensive weapon is generally one that calls you a prat when you use it. My wife is offended by her rolling pin every time she batters me with it.
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I think you're overdue a ban, especially for that poor taste "joke".
 
The definition of an offensive weapon is any article made or adapted for use for causing injury to the person, or intended by the person having it with him for such use by him, or by some other person. (N.B. this definition includes a disguised knife).
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Basically anything is an offensive weapon depending on the intent of the person carrying it.
 
It's a good debate and a dificult one to define. I imagine it's something that gives security organisations (legitimate ones not fly-by-night door monkeys) a nightmare.

Over the years in re-enactment I have seen the law get tighter and tighter to a point that it is threatening many small groups existence because there is so much confusion on transportation that not even Police are in full understanding and issues often arise depending on the level of knowledge and attitude of which ever Police Officer you are dealing with.

I think in the case given in the OP the hammer should have been secured away in an approriate carrying device that makes access more difficult so it is not instantly accessible. I would have liked security staff for London Undeground to have at least questioned the open carrying and asked the person to take appropriate action to remove it from easy access or have it confiscated.


Any tool that can be used "offensivley" is a potential weapon so open carrying should be banned unless it is carried in a tool box or tool bag that is closed and sealable. Difficult to enforce but that's how I think it should be.
 
They do say if you keep a baseball bat in your boot, have a ball as well :P

Many people keep things in their cars just in case (can't be to safe these days, despite what the law says). But it needs to be the kind of thing you would normally keep in the car to avoid being pulled up on it. Like a wrench.
 
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I got on the bus today and sitting opposite was a guy carrying a claw hammer - I thought he has a job today knocking nails in or breaking down a cupboard unit. ?????????

Never even occurred to me he might use it to bash someone :rolleyes::rolleyes::rolleyes:
 
TheMightyTen said:
I think in the case given in the OP the hammer should have been secured away in an approriate carrying device that makes access more difficult so it is not instantly accessible. I would have liked security staff for London Undeground to have at least questioned the open carrying and asked the person to take appropriate action to remove it from easy access or have it confiscated.


Any tool that can be used "offensivley" is a potential weapon so open carrying should be banned unless it is carried in a tool box or tool bag that is closed and sealable. Difficult to enforce but that's how I think it should be.
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This is how I feel.

People go shopping, sometimes they buy tools/knives.

If it had been in a bag I wouldn't have been bothered (I wouldn't even have known of course)

But just sitting there with it in his lap gripping the handle did seem a bit uncomfortable.
 
Orionaut said:
This is how I feel.

People go shopping, sometimes they buy tools/knives.

If it had been in a bag I wouldn't have been bothered (I wouldn't even have known of course)

But just sitting there with it in his lap gripping the handle did seem a bit uncomfortable.
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yeah, just a little bit too ready
 
TheMightyTen said:
It's a good debate and a dificult one to define. I imagine it's something that gives security organisations (legitimate ones not fly-by-night door monkeys) a nightmare.

Over the years in re-enactment I have seen the law get tighter and tighter to a point that it is threatening many small groups existence because there is so much confusion on transportation that not even Police are in full understanding and issues often arise depending on the level of knowledge and attitude of which ever Police Officer you are dealing with.

I think in the case given in the OP the hammer should have been secured away in an approriate carrying device that makes access more difficult so it is not instantly accessible. I would have liked security staff for London Undeground to have at least questioned the open carrying and asked the person to take appropriate action to remove it from easy access or have it confiscated.


Any tool that can be used "offensivley" is a potential weapon so open carrying should be banned unless it is carried in a tool box or tool bag that is closed and sealable. Difficult to enforce but that's how I think it should be.
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The problem is where do you draw the line as one of those "fly-by-night door monkeys" you mention I've seen severe damage done with a high heeled shoe but good luck confiscating that from someone before they actually use it in anger.

There was also a trend a few years ago of women's handbags coming with knuckle duster style carrying handles again you're going to struggle to get someone to give up their handbag on entry to a venue but they could again be used in much the same way as the traditional knuckle dusters.

In many cases you've just got to try and employ some common sense and people reading skills.
 
tom_e said:
The problem is where do you draw the line as one of those "fly-by-night door monkeys" you mention I've seen severe damage done with a high heeled shoe but good luck confiscating that from someone before they actually use it in anger.

There was also a trend a few years ago of women's handbags coming with knuckle duster style carrying handles again you're going to struggle to get someone to give up their handbag on entry to a venue but they could again be used in much the same way as the traditional knuckle dusters.

In many cases you've just got to try and employ some common sense and people reading skills.
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Legitimate door security is a god send and a literal life saver in many situations :) unfortunately Brum, even in the era of licensing, suffers with far too many dodgy club security companies who are just one of the profit making arms of the local gangs. A lad can't get in to a rock club with a wallet pocket chain (sartorially stupid items that they are!) but they'll let their "mates" in carrying all forms of hardware and the gear they're going to be flogging to the punters :rolleyes:.............. but that's a whole other topic for discussion ;)

You are right about common sense having to be applied in that scenario and there has to be a modicum of personal responsibility and a realisation that if you use an item as an offensive weapon the tariff for the crime goes up.

That said DIY tools and sharp kitchen implements I would hope you stop entry for :p

FurryLemon said:
He could have just bought it or borrowed it. I'd be more concerned if I saw someone with a hammer tucked into their waist band.
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Should still have at least been in a bag though.
 
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