Women gear up to battle subway creeps

SHANGHAI - Self-defense equipment such as mini stun guns and pepper sprays have become best-sellers among young women this summer.

On taobao.com, China's largest online shopping website, there are at least 15 stores selling self-defense equipment. One of the stores sold more than 970 mini electric batons within a month.

"Self-defense equipment is especially popular with women in summer. Many of our customers told us they bought them as a defense against sexual harassment," said Xiao Feng, the customer service supervisor of the Zhejiang-based store.