Dorset Police issue safety advice following drink spiking incidents

Anyone with information is urged to speak to police

Author: Sophie CridlandPublished 17th Aug 2021

A number of drink spiking incidents that happened in Weymouth are being investigated by Dorset Police.

Detectives from Weymouth CID and the local neighbourhood policing team are urging us to remain vigilant following further reports of possible drink spiking incidents in the town.

The force have confirmed that in July and August there have been nine incidents of people having their drinks spiked in Weymouth.

While no particular venue has been identified for where these incidents occurred, the victims are known to have been drinking in the Slug & Lettuce and Rendezvous on St Thomas Street and Actors and The Closet on Maiden Street.

STAY SAFE

Dorset Police have issued the following steps to help prevent you or your friends from becoming a victim:

  • Never leave your drink unattended
  • Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know
  • Keep an eye on your friends' drinks
  • Stay away from situations that you don't feel comfortable with
  • If someone appears very intoxicated, do not leave them unattended or with a stranger, make sure they are safe
  • Let someone know where you are and what time you expect to be home, especially if you're going on a date with someone you don't know
  • Don't give out too much information to someone you've just met, such as your address
  • It's important to remember that if you've already been drinking, it may make you less aware of any danger.

Detective Inspector Kate Lill, of Weymouth CID, said: “Following recent reports of suspected drink spiking incidents in the town, we now have a dedicated team of officers working together to establish what has happened and identify a potential offender.

“I am appealing to anyone who has any information about incidents of this nature to please contact Dorset Police.

“I would encourage anyone who believes they have been the victim of a similar incident to please come forward and provide the location and time of venues they visited.

“We are continuing to work with our partner agencies and local businesses to raise awareness of personal safety in the night-time economy.

“Finally, I would like to take this opportunity to remind everyone to be vigilant when they are out in all clubs and bars across the town, as well as the rest of the county.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Dorset Police at www.dorset.police.uk, via email 101@dorset.pnn.police.uk or by calling 101, quoting occurrence number 55210131583.

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