Pepper spray should be permitted for self-defence

Re: Swarmings, bear spray, knives and machetes: Youth violence on disturbing rise, VPD warns Will our so-called enlightened society actually do something about the latest trend with young people going out in gangs, harassing other people minding their own business, using prohibited weapons and just getting the usual proverbial slap on the wrist?

As a senior citizen, I am becoming increasingly nervous about going out and much prefer to use my vehicle for safety, even for short trips.

I believe it is time for law-abiding Canadians to be able to use pepper spray for self-defence.

The current laws against using a weapon to defend oneself are archaic and need to be changed.

This country is long overdue to change the outdated laws and get priorities right by sending the perpetrators to prison for lengthy sentences and to distinguish the difference between criminal and victim.

Ian Robertson, New Westminster

Current laws ... are archaic and need to be changed.