More criminals using bear spray
Date: Jul 30, 2008 1:08 PM
PUBLICATION: Calgary Herald
DATE: 2008.07.30
EDITION: Final
SECTION: City & Region
PAGE: B4
ILLUSTRATION: Photo: Calgary Herald Archive / Cayenne pepper spray, alsoknown as
bear repellent or dog spray, has become a hot item for criminals committing robberies
and assaults. ;
BYLINE: Michelle Butterfield
SOURCE: Calgary Herald; with files from Canwest News Service
WORD COUNT: 266

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More criminals using bear spray

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Alberta police are concerned about a rash of attacks in which the perpetrators,
often teenagers, are using bear spray. The spray, normally used by hikers and hunters
to protect against wildlife attacks, has no long-term effects but can cause severe
reaction in people with asthma. This new weapon of choice leaves victims incapacitated,
with burning eyes and skin and difficulty breathing.

According to the Calgary Police Service, the number of bear spray attacks has spiked
recently. “Within the past six months, I would say we have seen an increase,”
said duty inspector Dave Wood. But the problem isn’t confined to urban centres.

Across Alberta, many bear spray attacks have occurred, especially in Fort McMurray,
where police have charged some youths. Bear spray has been used in Fort McMurray
during a home invasion, a convenience store robbery and a street assault. “We
take this very seriously,” said Fort McMurray RCMP spokesman Ali Fayad. “It’s
a prohibited weapon. If you’re found with bear spray, in a lot of cases you
could face charges, especially if it’s discharged or used.”

Last week an innkeeper in Strathmore was attacked by two robbers who used pepper
spray on him as he held his one-year-old daughter.

Paramedics treat bear spray attacks seriously and classify them as chemical exposure.
But bear spray, like less-potent dog spray, can be found at many sports and hunting
stores.

Some stores refuse to sell to the product when the merchant doubts the buyer’s
intended use.

At Mountain Equipment Co-op in Calgary, staff do not sell bear spray to anyone under
age 18, and purchasers must have a valid passport or ID.

They must also sign a waiver, which includes their name, address and phone number.

The Calgary police have looked at ways to regulate the sale of bear spray, Wood
said, but it is “too hard because it is being sold for the right reasons”
and it is near impossible to tell if someone is going to use it for criminal purposes

The Second Amendment IS Homeland Security !