
The runners breaking the law to feel safe on the streets
The 45-year-old mother-of-three knows it's illegal, but she's willing to take the risk.
She said: 'If it's a choice between being raped and murdered, or going to jail for the night or longer, I think we know what most women would choose.'
Darcy is one of a growing number of women arming themselves on their runs with whatever they can get hold of, from Deep Heat to deodorant, jalapeno oil and even oven cleaner.
They're all makeshift protections, even though carrying a spray with the intent to cause harm (yes, that includes defending yourself), is illegal.
A new survey of 1,500 women runners, conducted by Metro in partnership with Women's Running, found nearly half said they'd feel safer if they could carry pepper spray legally.
The poll follows our investigation that revealed 10% of women have been spat on by men while running. Since then, we have been inundated with personal stories from women sharing the measures they take to feel safer.
Darcy first started carrying Deep Heat after running in Balham, south London, where she was regularly shouted at and humiliated while running.
Now based in Surrey, where she has spent much of the year preparing for a marathon, many of her routes take her into isolated areas.
She told Metro: 'I run in thick woodland and I've seen true crime. Since I've had daughters I've become much more aware of the things that can happen.
'My running vest has a rape whistle and I got the idea to carry Deep Heat spray off a Reddit forum.
'Someone told me I could be arrested for inciting violence by carrying it, but I'll take my chances.'
Thankfully, she's never had to use the spray, but Darcy is conscious that if she was attacked in a forest, nobody would hear her scream.
Tracy Chinnery revealed on TikTok that she goes one step further, not just arming herself with the spray while exercising.
She said: 'You never know when an emergency might occur when you're walking home.
'It will temporarily blind you and it will hurt like hell – so ladies make sure you have a can in your bag for cold dark nights.'
Another TikToker Sheniqua (@shenface) shared a video of her carrying Deep Heat spray, explaining: 'Crimes against women are escalating… right now I don't feel like the police and the community are doing enough to keep us safe – so we've got to keep ourselves safe.'
Carrying any spray with the intent to defend yourself – even a can of Deep Heat – could land you in prison for up to four years. That risk starts the moment you step outside your front door.
Barrister Maria Karaiskos tells Metro: 'If you deliberately arm yourself with a weapon or something that can cause injury and leave your home – that's unlawful.
'You can't take sprays or knuckle dusters or knives – the onus shifts to you to prove you have a reasonable excuse to use anything and you don't want to expose yourself to that,'
In the UK, women are allowed to carry rape alarms or whistles, but the emphasis is on de-escalation and conflict resolution. Carrying weapons could lead to unnecessary escalation.
Marie explains: 'The law will say 'why didn't you run a different route to avoid this person?', proving you have a good excuse is hard.'
However, she adds: 'If you don't have a record for causing injury to people and you genuinely thought you were being threatened, I don't think you'd go to prison.'
While we aren't calling for any weapon to be legalised, these testimonies and data show many women feel abandoned and don't know where to turn.
The National Police Chiefs' Council said that police services are 'working proactively to improve feelings of safety in their communities for women and girls'.
This includes 'active bystander' training and deploying plain clothes officers on popular running routes – although both initiatives are only active in limited areas.
Andrea Simon, director of End Violence Against Women, says the burden of safety planning shouldn't fall on those at risk.
'Women are often told, or made to feel, that it's our responsibility to take precautions to protect ourselves from male violence,' she says. 'This can look like sharing our location with friends, avoiding poorly lit public locations at night, or carrying safety devices with us. More Trending
'However, preventing violence shouldn't fall on the shoulders of those at risk, and ultimately, no amount of safety planning will deter a man intent on causing harm.'
Andrea believes government investment in education, prevention and public messaging will create a better society for women.
She said: 'The government can meaningfully invest in prevention work and create a future in which women are able to exist without fear, without the burden of constantly worrying about protecting themselves.'
*Darcy's name was changed to protect her identity and avoid legal repercussions.
Metro's exclusive investigation found that 6% of women runners have been intentionally spat on while running, while a further 4% were unsure if it was intentional or not.
This opened up a nationwide conversation which spanned TV and radio stations, causing thousands of women to share their stories.
Jas, a 25-year-old from London, has been a victim of spitting twice. The first time was during the pandemic near her university in Lincoln.
A man gave her a look that made her uneasy. Then he spat at her, continuing to stare at her in an intimidating way.
'It was terrifying,' she told Metro. 'Not because of the stupid old man, but because it was during the pandemic when you didn't even want someone breathing near you, let alone spitting. I cried and cried, mainly out of fear of getting Covid, but also because I was livid.'
Being mixed race, Jas wondered if the attack was racially motivated, but she couldn't be sure. 'It really surprised me,' she remembers. 'It's not like I was going to stop and ask which part of my identity motivated him to spit at me.'
Read the full investigation here.
Do you have a story to share?
Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
MORE: Porn sites to make major change to who can watch x-rated videos
MORE: Pro-life Republican 'nearly died' during ectopic pregnancy amid abortion ban
MORE: Leicester man jailed after raping woman while on bail for another charge
Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
Inbetweeners star James Buckley and wife's stalker 'threatened violent acts'
James Buckley and his wife Clair were reportedly stalked by a women who allegedly threatened them 'with violent acts'. A court heard The Inbetweeners actor was allegedly pursued by a woman, Keavy O'Mahoney, near the couple's Essex home which left them scared for their safety. As reported by The Sun, court records show the couple 'feared on at least two occasions that violence would be used' against them on two separate occasions last week. It's said O'Mahoney, 26, was arrested and charged after the alleged incidents on Monday and Wednesday. She was released on bail at Luton Magistrates' Court, and is due at Luton Crown Court on July 28. O'Mahoney has been banned from contacting the couple on any electronic devices, while she's also been ordered to remain at home each night, and cannot leave without an adult approved by social services. James and Clair got married in 2012, and have two children together. They host their own podcast At Home With The Buckleys where they share hilarious unfiltered stories from their everyday life. And it was recently confirmed they'll be teaming up for Channel 4 show Gogglebox. In a post shared on his and the programme's official accounts, they said: 'Hi guys, how's it going? 'We are joining the Gogglebox family. We're going to be watching some great TV and some not so great TV.' Despite his success in The Inbetweeners and White Gold, James previously put it all down to 'luck' as he opened up on suffering from imposter syndrome. Speaking to Metro in 2023, he insisted he has seen friends and people 'way more talented' than him struggling to make a name for themselves in the entertainment world. He added: 'I always just feel like some bloke that was plucked from Dagenham and put in a suit and sat on a chair. I never really felt like that's actually what my life is like.' More Trending But last year, he told Metro he still finds the scenes just as funny as when they were first created. 'It might be a bit more cringy or embarrassing than being the actor who's so fed up with a character and too cool for school, but I still find it funny,' he said. 'I still find it as funny as when I first read it.' View More » Metro has contacted representatives for James Buckley for comment. Got a story? If you've got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@ calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we'd love to hear from you.


Metro
7 hours ago
- Metro
First picture of teen shot dead after 'running for his life' in north London
This is the first picture of a teenager fatally shot in north London as friends said he would be 'forever in their hearts'. Keanu Harker, aged 18, died on Thursday after being shot on Great Cambridge Road, Enfield. Met officers rushed to the scene alongside the London Ambulance Service, who treated Keanu before taking him to a nearby hospital where he died. Two suspects have been arrested. Witnesses told Metro he had been running away from a man who was chasing him on a bicycle. The witness, 63, who did not want to be named, said: 'The lad was running for his life. He hid behind a van. 'Then I heard three shots. Two in quick succession then another. Then the boy was lying on the road. 'There were loads of police on the scene quickly. It was absolute horror.' Another said: 'The boy was being chased down. Because he was on foot he couldn't get away.' His family continue to be supported by specialist officers. Friends and family of the victim have laid tributes at the scene in his memory. One card says: 'You are forever in our hearts … never forgotten … you will be missed.' A 17-year-old – who cannot be named for legal reasons – was arrested on Sunday, 29 July, in connection with the shooting. He will appear before Highbury Corner Magistrates' Court on Tuesday, 1 July, charged with murder. Another suspect – aged 24 – was arrested on Monday, 30 June, on suspicion of conspiracy to murder. He is being held in police custody. Detective Chief Superintendent Caroline Haines said: 'Our thoughts remain with Keanu's family and friends, and anyone else affected by his death. This is a shocking incident to happen in any community. 'We are working at pace to ensure that those responsible for Keanu's death are held to account. 'I would urge anyone who could assist us with our investigation to contact police immediately and to refrain from speculating about this incident online. More Trending 'If you'd prefer to stay anonymous, you can also provide information to us through the charity Crimestoppers. 'We'd like to once again reassure the community that this appears to be an isolated incident and a thorough investigation is underway. 'Please do approach any of our officers who are in the local area, they will be happy to provide support to you.' Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101. MORE: Boy, 3, died in 'ferocious' dog attack 'after parents allowed him to wander into pen unsupervised' MORE: Mum's heartbreaking plea after nine-day-old baby snatched by 'fake support worker' MORE: British man reported missing in Cambodia found in jail accused of drug smuggling


Metro
17 hours ago
- Metro
Coronation Street confirms new woman by Gary's side as the truth is revealed
Worries have been mounting for Gary Windass (Mikey North) as he's been absent from Coronation Street for a while – and Maria (Samia Longchambon) has hardly heard from him. Gary went off in a bit of a strop after he and Maria argued over Lou Michaelis (Farrel Hegarty). When Lou's husband Mick (Joe Layton) was arrested for the murder of Craig Tinker (Colson Smith), Gary was one of the few people who had any time for Lou. This infuriated Maria, especially after she'd had a few run-ins with Lou herself. At one point she thought Lou had had her arrested after an accident at the Platts' barbecue, and she generally thought of Lou as a troublemaker and someone who had designs on Gary. She wasn't far wrong on that score, as we saw Lou try to kiss Gary. He rejected her advances, but scheming Lou also sent herself a text from Gary's phone that would look like clear evidence they were having an affair – though so far Maria hasn't seen this. She'd seen enough, however, to be seriously annoyed. Gary decided it would be sensible to go away and visit his mum for a while and let things cool down. In his absence Maria has been checking her phone constantly, worrying that she's pushed Gary too far with her jealousy. In upcoming episodes it's Liam (Charlie Wrenshall)'s birthday, and there's still no word from Gary. This is obviously unsettling, as even if he has the sulks with Maria he surely wouldn't forget Liam's big day. The reason for his continued silence was revealed – he's in hospital in a coma, and things are not looking good. Maria decides to report Gary as a missing person and heads to the police station. Kit (Jacob Roberts)and Lisa (Vicky Myers) hear about an unidentified coma patient at the hospital, and wonder if it could be Gary. Meanwhile, when Nina (Mollie Gallagher) and Summer (Harriet Bibby) hear that Gary is missing and hasn't made any bank transactions since June 23, they begin to worry that it could have been him they saw on the night of the party when they were high on drugs. More Trending At the hospital, Gary has a visitor – a mystery woman who is keeping vigil at his bedside. Even more mysteriously, she's told the hospital staff that the injured man is called Chesney. Want to be the first to hear shocking EastEnders spoilers? Who's leaving Coronation Street? The latest gossip from Emmerdale? Join 10,000 soaps fans on Metro's WhatsApp Soaps community and get access to spoiler galleries, must-watch videos, and exclusive interviews. Simply click on this link, select 'Join Chat' and you're in! Don't forget to turn on notifications so you can see when we've just dropped the latest spoilers! This means that when Kit contacts the hospital about whether the missing man could be Gary, he's told it isn't him. He tells Maria and reassures her that the police will do all they can to find out where Gary is. But in the meantime, who is the mystery woman and why is she claiming that Gary is called Chesney? View More » As Gary's life hangs in the balance, a series of flashbacks take us to the night he vanished – and we discover an attacker desperate to cover their tracks. MORE: Coronation Street star reacts to what happened to Gary Windass and addresses attack culprit MORE: Coronation Street 'confirms' who left Gary Windass for dead in early ITVX release MORE: Coronation Street reveals major Gary Windass story as attack is confirmed