From panic buttons to pepper spray, here are 5 handbag ready safety gadgets 

In the past year, 617 210 contact crimes were reported in South Africa. These stats, published by the South African Police Service alongside Stats SA, are just another reminder to be on guard and know how to protect yourself especially when you aren't at home.

We’ve rounded up the best gadgets and devices to keep you safe when you’re on the go. Here are 5 must-have tools for your handbag, backpack or even clutch bag. 

Pepper spray

Have you ever had a really hot chilli and it just overwhelmed all your senses to such an extent that you couldn’t focus on anything else? That excruciating effect is exactly what resulted in the idea that we now know as pepper spray. Pepper spray is made from an extract of chili peppers and usually comes in an aerosol canister.

Since 1973 pepper spray has been used by law enforcement across the world to subdue aggressive or uncooperative subjects. Today, many people also use it as a personal self-defence tool to fight off attackers because it’s easy to handle and light to carry.

Self-defence keychain

These strong, yet lightweight, keychains are both nifty and necessary. Besides keeping all your keys in one place, they cleverly double up as a self-defence tool. The most popular ones have threaded handles that are designed for a firm and comfortable grip while the other end is a blunt but focused point that can injure an attacker. This keychain makes a good security safety product for anyone who frequently needs to walk home or to their car in dim lit, secluded areas.

Panic button or whistle

In 2017, a British Co-op Insurance consulted with professional burglars to learn that nearly half said loud barking dogs would most likely to put them off breaking into a home, according to The Guardian. Most thieves and predators prefer to avoid loud noises that attract attention so having something that can onset a commotion will be beneficial to your safety strategy. Panic buttons or whistles are minimal effort but maximum effect.

In SA, Momentum Short-term Insurance recently launched an innovative emergency panic button which is available on the Momentum app. This panic button, called Safety Alert, is free for all Momentum Car and Home Insurance policyholders and by activating Safety Alert, your smartphone would allow for the immediate pinpointing of a location and the dispatch of an armed response unit.

Stun gun

If you really want to shock your attacker – consider getting a stun gun for your purse. Many people find stun guns a little intimidating to use, but with some practice this handbag-ready gadget can really be a lifesaver. Stun guns basically work the same as tasers with two charge electrodes that, when connected to a person, shocks them with electric pulses.

Tactical pen or flashlight

This self-defence pens can be carried in your purse, pocket, or anywhere else you carry a pen. Since it is metal, it won’t break if you have to use it in a defensive scenario. Most tactical pens also have a glass breaker in case you need to smash a window.

Much like the tactical pen, a flashlight is also just a normal item that can double-up as a self-defence tool. From blinding an attacker to lighting your path in dodgy areas, a flashlight is a valuable tool to keep in your bag.

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