Police 'still investigating reports of drink spiking'
The force have given an update after a number of unconfirmed reports in Plymouth at the weekend
Police say investigations are continuing after a number of people claimed they'd suffered drink spiking in Plymouth at the weekend.
Over the past year there's been 161 reports of spiking - but only four confirmed cases - across Devon and Cornwall.
Richard Smith is chair of Plymouth Pubwatch and says staff are there to help and should always be approached with concerns.
He said: "Most of the venues in the city have got drink-tesing spike kits in their venues that they can test the drink there and then to see whether it has been spiked in any way, shape or form.
"If it has we can keep that drink and give to police as evidence and they've got further testing in their vehicles - the city's safe bus has the same testing facilities - which will then determine what they've been spiked with."
Inspector Martin Tregaskes, Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction lead for Devon & Cornwall Police said: “A number of reports of spiking incidents in Plymouth have been made in recent days, which, while not confirmed, are being investigated.
"Anyone who thinks they may have been spiked, perhaps on an evening out, should tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible, as many licensed premises have been provided drink testing kits by Devon & Cornwall Police.
"Confirmed reports of spiking are not common. Between 1 August 2023 and 31 July 2024, there were 161 spiking reports in the force area, 49 of which were in Plymouth. Of these, four returned a positive test, of which three could be accounted for by the actions of the individual.
"Just in case anyone is in any doubt, 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. Further crimes committed against a spiked person carry their own penalties.
“We ask everyone to be aware when they are out, to look out for themselves and their friends, but we would also like to make it very clear that victims are never to blame and Devon & Cornwall Police will always take reports of spiking seriously.”
To report an incident use this form here
There's more about the roll-out of testing kits in Plymouth here