Shotgun, shovel, bleach: How Qlders are vowing to protect their own homes

Queenslanders fed up with shocking cases of home invasions have overwhelming called for pepper spray to be made legal as a means of defending themselves from attack. Until then, they have some other ideas.

Aldwin Serrano appeared in the Mackay Magistrate's court for one count of possessing illegal category R weapons after police found six pepper spray cans at his property in Eimeo. July 17, 2025.

Queenslanders fed up with shocking cases of home invasion have overwhelming called for pepper spray to be made legal as a means of defending themselves from attack.

More than 90 per cent of Courier Mail readers said the substance, used by police to ward off aggressors, including in protest riots, should be available to the public.

More than 2500 people voted in the poll after a Mackay man was charged with unlawful possession of a category R weapon and common assault when police found six cans of Oleoresin Capsicum Spray at his home.

The court heard that the 49-year-old “rolled out a can” on a man who smashed his window trying to break into his house.

The man purchased the cans on the Wish website “to protect himself in the home”.

Mr Serrano was placed on a six month $250 good behaviour bond and a conviction was not recorded.

The case sparked hundreds of comments across social media sites run by this publication from Townsville to the Gold Coast.

Overwhelmingly readers said residents should have the right to defend themselves in their homes.

But others warned that legalising pepper spray would only make it more readily available for offenders, including those who might use it against their partners in domestic violence situations.

KAP Member Nick Dametto says Queensland needs stronger self-defence legislation.

Many suggested there were other effective legal means available including insect and deodorant sprays.

Nick Dametto, Deputy Leader for Katter’s Australian Party, whose Facebook profile shows him with a gun, said the Mackay case highlighted the fact that “Queensland needs stronger self-defence legislation and the appropriate tools to defend ourselves”.

A police officer's face is covered in pepper spray in Los Angeles after an immigration raid protest. (AP Photo/Jae Hong)

“I recently asked the Police Minister whether the Qld State Government would trial the use of pepper spray similar to what the NT proposes to do in September. The Minister’s response is due in two days. Let him know your thoughts [e-mail],’’ Mr Dametto posted on the Townsville Bulletin Facebook page.

WHAT YOU SAID

Melzie Collins

Does the government believe we are all ninjas. When people break into our homes to hurt and rob us … we need ways to protect ourselves if the government won’t … the criminals have more power than the person or persons being attacked in their own homes … Absolutely pathetic government we have. honestly.

Lesley N Nye Keegan

History has shown that giving open access to weapons benefits criminals and raises death and injury rates in home invasions. Could you imagine how it could be used in a domestic violence situation against either partner. NO, NO, NO.

Jordy Trevisan

I believe we should be able to do defend our property and lives in any way we see fit. We didn’t choose to have our houses broken into, so the person breaking in doesn’t get to choose their punishment.

Anthony Jeffries

I might as well start up a burglary business and have more rights than the homeowner.

Lawrence Verran

If you cant legally use pepper spray … good ole legal fly spray (lighter optional) will work

Patricia Napier

If pepper spray was to become legal what would stop someone breaking into your or my home from spraying the stuff in your or my face, don’t give them another weapon.

Pepper spray is currently illegal to use in Qld.

Debbie Hefferan

Definitely yes. We have groups getting around armed with bats, steel pipes and machetes. We should be able to at least have pepper spray so we can at least get away. This world is ridiculous.

Peter Poulsen

The legal system is so wrong, if someone was to break into my home, I would do anything to remove them. Your home is your castle. By the time police arrive, it’s too late.

James Huckel

Ask the cop that just got stabbed

Angela Brunet

Guns should be legal to protect yourself in your home from intruders. Pepper spray should be legal to carry in society for protection

Darrel Anthony Smith

Woman was told by cops use deodorant not pepper spray its not a weapon and you can’t be charged with it

Glen Coles

You should be able to defend yourself with whatever is available at that time, till there’s no more threat. I would do this regardless of the consequences to protect my family.

Lyle Essery

The only appropriate tool (that just happens to be lying around) which you could use for ad hoc defence in Queensland is a cane knife. “The person that broke into my home and threatened my family walked into my cane knife’s blade officer.”

Christopher Mack

I have my Trespassing sign on my front door. Plus if they don’t see it or miss it. That’s OK I have a shotgun, a shovel, a ute and even a big back yard.

Steven Peters

Just buy a $2 spray bottle and fill it with the hottest chillies blended up simple

Noela Lowrey

Yes. However there are far more harmful domestic products that can be used – like pest spray, oven cleaner, bleach and other household cleaners. All of which I wouldn’t hesitate to use if threatened with the prospect of some AH breaking into my home while I’m there!

Jack Kerslake

You can buy hot sauce with triple the scoville units that capsaicin spray has … try some ghost pepper extracts in your eyes

Originally published as Shotgun, shovel, bleach: How Qlders are vowing to protect their own homes