Thames Valley Police deploying extra patrols outside nightclubs to prevent spiking
It’s as this week is National week of action on spiking to coincide with university freshers week starting across Oxfordshire
Thames Valley Police are deploying extra patrols outside nightclubs, bars and pubs to help prevent spiking as university fresher’s week starts across Oxfordshire.
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or their body without their knowledge and/or consent. It can also occur via needles, vapes or cigarettes and food.
The effects of spiking will depend on the substance consumed but common signs include a sudden change in behaviour, such as seeming extremely intoxicated very quickly.
It also includes dizziness or loss of balance, difficulty concentrating or talking, confusion, blurred vision and nausea or vomiting.
The extra patrols from police will use a combination of uniformed and plain clothed officers to identify people who may be displaying signs of predatory behaviour through bespoke observation training.
‘Seek help early’
Police say, the best precaution people can take to protect themselves from drink spiking is to never leave a drink unattended and to not accept drinks from strangers.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC), Matthew Barber, said: “If you think you have been spiked, you’ve been a victim in the past or you’re fearful of it in the first instance, take those sensible precautions.
“But report it to the police and call 999 if it’s urgent and someone is at risk.
“Seek that help early.”
Ask for Angela is a national initiative which provides support to people on a night out who find themselves in situations that are unsafe or make them feel uncomfortable.
By asking for Angela, staff in participating venues will seek to discreetly remove individuals from these situations.
Thames Valley Police and Crime Commissioner said: “Being spiked can be a frightening experience and can make victims vulnerable to other crimes.
“Intensification weeks such as this week’s on spiking are important in bringing operational focus to certain crimes, but creating safer spaces in our night time economy and tackling Violence Against Women and Girls is a year-round priority for Thames Valley Police.
“I would encourage anyone in Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire or Milton Keynes needing support to contact our team of specially trained advisors on 0300 1234 148.”
Reporting to the police
The drugs used to spike victims pass through the system quickly, so early reporting and testing is key.
The Police and Crime Commissioner said in a press release, ‘don’t let the fact that you might have illegal drugs in your system stop you from reporting’.
It is not an offence to have illegal drugs in your system, unless you’re driving, and the police will want to safeguard you and maximise the chance of capturing critical evidence.
PCC Matthew Barber said: “If you’ve been spiked with an illegal substance, you are the victim.
“You shouldn’t be fearful of seeking help of that crime.”
If you have been a victim of spiking, report it to the police straightaway. If a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise report the incident via 101 or online at www.thamesvalley.police.uk/ro/report/report-spiking/v2/report-spiking/