People urged to report spiking incidents to police
Devon and Cornwall Police say incidents are rare
With people looking ahead to New Year's Eve celebrations, there's a warning from police to stay vigilant and keep an eye on drinks.
Devon and Cornwall Police says spiking can come in many forms such as putting alcohol or prescription drugs or illegal drugs into a drink, injecting someone with prescription or illegal drugs, putting prescription or illegal drugs into their food, or putting prescription or illegal drugs into their cigarette or vape.
Martin Tregaskes, Drug & Alcohol Harm Lead Inspector for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “Any form of spiking is illegal and the consequences for anyone found to have spiked another person in any way can be severe, including long custodial sentences.
“Nationally we see a slight increase in reports of spiking during the festive period, so we are asking everyone to be aware when they are out, to look out for themselves and their friends, and to report anything suspicious to pub or club staff or security. Being spiked is never the fault of the victim, but nevertheless, do think twice before leaving your drink unattended.
“Feedback received from the public by our Alcohol Licensing Team reveals that the public are most concerned about people who put extra alcohol into other people’s drinks without them knowing.
“Whether you are out with friends or perhaps on an office party outing, remember this - putting extra alcohol into someone's drink without them knowing, even if you know them and think it’s for fun, is still spiking, it’s still illegal and it can be very dangerous. Don’t be that person.”
The advice for anyone who thinks they may have been spiked, is to tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible so that they can be safeguarded. Anyone who is a victim of spiking should also report it to police as soon as they are safe to give the best chances of capturing evidence.