Suspected spiking in Liverpool leaves woman scared to go out
People are being urged to boycott the city's bars and clubs tonight in protest over a recent spate of incidents
Last updated 26th Oct 2021
A woman's been telling us how a suspected spiking in a Liverpool bar has left her too afraid to go out again.
Rebecca was on a hen do in Mathew St last month when the incident happened.
She's speaking to us as people here are being urged to boycott the city's bars and clubs tonight in protest.
Last week we told you Merseyside Police had received 17 reports of spikings since the start of September.
Rebecca says she's been through hell :
"It all happened so fast, I turned to my friend and said I think I've just been injected, she checked for a mark and there was.
"You know if someone puts a drug in your drink and you drink it that you're not going to get something more serious like HIV or hepititis which are the tests I've had to go for, and it's more of an intrusion than just drinking a drink.
"I definitely won't be going out, I think it'll be a very long time until I feel ready to go out again".
Liverpool local policing Superintendent Diane Pownall said:
“We are aware that there has been a number of reports nationally about people having their drinks spiked or people reporting being injected.
“While we understand that people may be alarmed by these reports I want to reassure people that we have not received a huge number of reports in relation to incidents of this nature on Merseyside.
“We have reviewed reports recorded between 1st September and 22nd October this year. During that period we received 17 reports of people who believed they had had their drinks spiked.
“It is important that people are reassured that these reports have been extensively investigated with officers examining CCTV, speaking to victims and potential witnesses and looking into medical evidence. Following those enquiries two remain under investigation.
“During the same period we received five reports that people believed they had been injected. Extensive witness, CCTV and medical enquiries have been carried out and three currently remain under investigation.
“This matter remains under constant review and is also monitored through weekly licensing meetings. We are also liaising with the Student Safety Group, licensed premises and other partners.
“Liverpool is awarded Purple Flag status every year and is one of the safest cities in the UK. We know that people travel far from far and wide to enjoy what is on offer here and we want that to continue.
“In April we launched our proactive policing response, Operation Empower, where dedicated officers are tasked with identifying potential perpetrators who are displaying signs of predatory behaviour and to disrupt those who present a potential risk. Officers are also asked to be aware of anyone who may be vulnerable to ensure any immediate safeguarding concerns are met.
“Every week we also have an additional number of uniformed officers on the streets of the city and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to approach our patrols and speak to them."