Recent attacks on Women in Soho Square

I know you're only joking, but I would really encourage people to think twice before going down the pepper spray route - under UK law its stupidly classified as a prohibited weapon under the same legislation that controls gun ownership (section 5 of The Firearms Act 1968). Also, although it would obviously be very reassuring to have a spray, theres the potential that if it didn't work out it could esclate a situation to a higher level of violence/retaliation, or even enable an attacker to use it against you. I've not looked into it, but there are supposed to be legal alternatives though (alarms, non-toxic sprays etc.)

And, it's a bit like learning a bit of martial arts. You have it there, but the chances of you using it and using it effectively are minimal. Seriously. You can never anticipate your reactions upon being attacked and reaching for the pepper spray, probably in your bag, will not be your first reaction, neither will you have time. Sad, but true.