Bullet-proof hoodie to go on sale
A bullet-proof hooded top designed to protect against street violence has been made by an east London firm.

The £300 "Defender" top will stop 9mm Magnum handgun bullets, according to the manufacturer Bladerunner, which also makes slash-proof vests.

Owner Barry Samms denied the hoodie was targeted at teenage gang members and said it was primarily aimed at US customers concerned about gun violence.

Mothers Against Murder and Aggression said it spread "the fear factor".

Lyn Costello, founder of the campaign group also known as Mamaa, said it sent out the wrong message.

I don't think it helps. It spreads the fear factor and makes teenagers think they are invincible.

"It disgusts me that companies think about money rather than the safety of our kids.

"We want to encourage them away from a life of violence not towards it."

A total of 11 teenagers have died as a result of violent crime in London since the start of the year.

Thinner material

The top is made from a fibre called Dyneema, which is thinner than the material used to make traditional bullet-proof vests.

Mr Samms, who owns the Romford firm, said he could only manufacture a hoodie because it was not possible to put a zip into bullet-proof material.

Continued:
BBC NEWS | England | London | Bullet-proof hoodie to go on sale

Americans:

Can you imagine the street battles that would erupt if this got to the US? Plus I thought that there was a law against body armor on the streets here?

No body armour laws here in UK. Only price restricts buying as REAL bulletproof vests are quite expensive. I have only a stab vest but would buy a police grade bullet vest if they were cheaper. That's for work though. For walking down the road it's a bit silly. As is the furore. The price alone will mean it stays out of silly hands. £300 for a hoodie? lol

If attenable by youths:
I wonder how long it will be before some1 decides to test it out.
plus, these hoodies may become like a fashion item to some guys 'on road'.

LOL anybody dumb enough to test a bullet proof thing by WEARING it deserves to die. At least put it against a wall and shoot it.

deserves to die?.......debatable.

we may see people who think dey are imunne 2 bullets by wearing it...
but anyway
what i really meant waz, one guy with a gun sees another person wearing it..and well...*bang*

Bullet-proof hoodies condemed
What are your views?

BBC News Player - Bullet-proof hoods condemned

criminal element doesn't follow the GUN laws over here

so laws against felons wearing or possessing bullet proof vests won't/don't mean anything..


this story is initially shocking but it won't change anything.....as far as street criminals



what is the dollar equivalent of the price quoted in the article?

the exchange rate on google is 1.99 so £300 about $600

Geezus...I could just buy another gun to shoot someone with.

thanks Watcher.....

The bullet proof hoodie isn't needed. No matter how anyone tries to rationalise, it is exploitation at it's worst. We don't live in Cape Town or Cidade de Deus for goodness sake. Education and knowledge of self is what the yoot dem need.