An improvised weapon is an everyday object you would normally have on your person, or in your possession, that you have ‘improvised’ to become a weapon. They could be any number of things including your keys, coins in your pocket, your coat, your bag, an umbrella, a walking stick or mobility cane – the list is almost endless.

The important thing though, is that whatever you use, it should be an object you normally have in your possession.

Therefore, you can’t carry a knife, a baseball bat or a hammer, just in case you are attacked.

Likewise, don’t be tempted to buy anything sold for ‘self defence’ purposes such as a self defence key ring, a self defence pen, a self defence belt buckle, etc. These have been sold as ‘self defence’ products and as such are a premeditated weapon in the UK. If you buy these products and use them in the UK to defend yourself, you could end up being arrested and charged with using an offensive weapon. In some cases, you could even be arrested for carrying a concealed weapon. ‘Self defence’ products are not everyday objects that have been improvised to become a weapon. They were always a weapon.