‘Anti-pervert’ mini flamethrowers for women sold online in China
Gadgets fit in a handbag and shoot flames of up to 25cm, but they contain butane and can’t be taken on public transport
Miniature flamethrowers that can fit into a handbag, branded as “anti-pervert weapons”, are being sold online in China despite being classified as dangerous items that cannot be taken on public transport.
The pen-sized gadgets are about 20cm long and can shoot flames of up to 25cm at the press of a button.
Marketed at women to fend off attackers, they are being sold as “not a weapon, yet better than one”. “No matter where we stand, we can protect ourselves,” reads one of the advertising slogans.
At 90 yuan to 300 yuan (US$13 to US$44) each, one shop on Taobao said it had sold about 300 of the flamethrowers in the past 30 days.
Taobao is owned by the Alibaba Group, which also owns the South China Morning Post.