Devon and Cornwall Police issue statement amid reports of drink spiking and needle attacks
Our force says an incident in Exeter is being investigated and officers are working with venues
Last updated 21st Oct 2021
Police have confirmed they are looking into reports a woman was assaulted by someone with a needle at a nightclub in Exeter, following a national rise in reports of drink spiking.
Officers have confirmed the incident at Fever and Boutique is currently the only one under investigation in the force area, amid a so-called trend of women being injected on nights out.
They also say drink testing kits are already available in many bars across the region and more can be supplied to any venues that want them.
Police are able to test urine for the signs of spiking up for up to three days after it may have happened.
Devon and Cornwall police have been leading the way nationally after recently launching an anti-drink spiking initiative following a successful trial in Plymouth.
Devon and Cornwall Police say that whilst incidents like these are rare in our region, they are asking people to be vigilant in crowded spaces and notify premises staff or police of any suspicious behaviour.
Speaking about testing kits, Sergeant Dave Moore from the Force Licensing Team said: "These kits allow bar staff to test a person’s drink to see if it has been interfered with. If it has, this allows evidence to be secured and medical assistance given to the victim. This can also help give peace of mind if the drink comes back clear from tampering.
"Bars who are part of the Best Bar None scheme, Pubwatch and all late-night venues across Devon and Cornwall have been supplied with these drink testing kits. Any other bars who wish to have access to these kits can contact the police licensing team and they will be supplied to them.
"We also have urine testing kits for use by police officers at police stations around the force which can be used for up to three days after the consumption of the drink to test for evidence of spiking.
"We will work closely with the evening and night-time economy to ensure bar and door staff are fully aware of the correct steps to take if a customer has concerns about their drink being spiked.
"These incidents are rare but are simply unacceptable. Please continue to look out for each-other and to report these matters to the police and together we will stop this predatory behaviour".
How do I know if my drink has been spiked and what should I do?
Devon and Cornwall Police say if your drink has been spiked, it is unlikely you will be able to see, smell or taste any difference. However, you may experience certain symptoms. You may:
Feel drowsy, confused or find it difficult to speak or move
Feel drunker than you should, depending on how much you have drunk
Not be able to remember what you have done.
If you think your drink has been spike, the force says you should:
Tell someone you trust, such as a friend or staff.
If you are alone, ask the pub landlord or bar manager to call a trusted friend for you.
Your friend, or someone you trust, should take you to the nearest accident and emergency (A&E) department and tell the medical staff your drink may have been spiked.
Report it to the police as soon as you can. They will need to take blood and urine samples. Most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being taken, but some can be gone in 12 hours so it's important to be tested as soon as possible.
If you have been sexually assaulted, even if you are too upset to report it to the police immediately, you should try to seek medical assistance if you have been hurt or injured. Any forensic evidence obtained during tests can be stored.
You can find more safety advice on the Devon and Cornwall Police 'Before your night out' web page.
Anyone with information about the incident at Exeter's Fever and Boutique is being urged to contact police on 101@dc.police.uk, quoting crime reference CR/090910/21.