Police warn public against reckless use of stun guns

Dubai: Police have warned against the irresponsible use of electro-shock stun guns — used in self-defence — which can be extremely dangerous for heart patients and may even cause death in some cases.

Lieutenant Colonel Nasser Al Shummari, Director of the Forensic Laboratory at the Forensic Evidence and Criminology Department, said these guns are sold in many shapes in the market, but many people are not aware of the risks associated with the random use of these guns.

Stun guns should not be used for fun as they may pose a real danger to people's lives, especially those with heart disease who could die because of an electric shock, he said.

The UAE has classified stun guns and electro-shock weapons as needing a licence by the authorities to be carried, according to Law No 3 for 2009 on weapons and ammunition.

Lt Col Al Shummari warned the public against buying stun guns without a licence, which puts them on the wrong side of the law. He also warned against irresponsible use, which may cause serious injury — and in some cases death.

"Stun guns should be used in cases of extreme need, and only if the person using them is facing imminent danger," he said.

The department has also urged home and shop owners to use high-quality locks to avoid burglaries. In many cases people leave valuables worth millions unsecured by using cheap locks.