Gainesville stores are sold out of pepper spray and rape whistles following a string of four attacks on and around UF’s campus since Aug. 30.
The Target on Archer Road is completely sold out of self-defense tools. The Walmart Supercenter on Northeast 12th Avenue is also sold out, as are the ones on Archer Road and Southwest 13th Street. Hibbett Sports on Archer Road is sold out as well.
There is still pepper spray in stock at the M&C Army Surplus store on Northwest 13th Street.
But as students scour store shelves for the tools, Tina Lamb was cautious of relying on weapons for self-defense.
The Rape Aggression Defense program coordinator said it perpetuates the underlying message “you’re not enough.”
RAD courses do not utilize weapons but instead teach physical defense tactics.
“Your body is an amazing tool,” Lamb said.
Though the RAD program is booked until the beginning of November, other local programs are offering self-defense classes open to beginners.
Tool Shed Training and Kissaki-Kai Florida are hosting five-week strength and self-defense classes, beginning Friday from 5:45 to 7 p.m. at the Unified Training Center.
Gainesville Dojo, a martial arts center located at 536 SW Second Ave., typically offers free self-defense classes once a semester. The classes take place over the course of two days, each class being three hours, said owner Keith Teller.
The classes cover how to properly use pepper spray and mace. They also teach individuals about how to utilize common items in the event of an attack, such as pens, perfume, wallets and credit cards.
In response to recent events, more classes are being added starting Sept. 20 and 21. Those interested can either call ahead or walk in.
Jason Dodd from Global Mixed Martial Arts Studio on 4000 W. Newberry Road works directly with the Gainesville Police. He teaches officers a Brazilian form of Jiu Jitsu called Gracie.
Dodd’s studio has been offering free self-defense classes for about two years, he said. The last one he hosted was Saturday.
“People weren’t beating down the doors to get in or anything like that, but it was a good number,” he said, adding that about 20 people showed up.
The studio sells self-defense keychains for about $10, said Joyce Pratt, a sales associate. They are in the shape of a cat’s head and can be used like brass knuckles.
The classes do not require any fees or donations and take place on the first Saturday of every month at 2:30 p.m. The next class will be on Oct. 4.
As developments have slowed down, rumors have circulated.
GPD spokesman Officer Ben Tobias said people can report or confirm rumors by calling the UF Rumor Control Hotline.
“We understand that social media moves news extremely quickly, and can distort rumor,” he said.
According to the UF Student Honor Code and Student Conduct Code, weapons banned on campus include stun guns, pellet guns, BB guns, slingshots and archery equipment.
Chemical or biological agents, such as Mace and pepper spray, are also banned, as well as knives or any object or material capable of causing physical harm.
[A version of this story ran on page 1 on 9/10/2014 under the headline "Local stores run out of self-defense weapon stock "]
