First report of injection spiking in Surrey

Surrey Police has confirmed the first reported case of injection spiking in the county and continues to ask anyone who thinks they have been spiked to come forward.

A police spokesperson said the report came in over the weekend and while there was no medical evidence to currently confirm the victim was injected, the situation is being monitored and the person who has come forward is being offered support.

Victims are being asked to come forward to help build a picture of what is happening so that police can continue to work with club and bar owners to identify trends.

Meanwhile, the force is still working with Reigate’s Mishiko Nightclub following three reported cases of drink spiking there last month, while the University of Surrey has also reported a couple of cases of spiking, according to a Surrey Police spokesperson.

The Surrey crime commissioner spoke out this week (October 26) about her experience of being spiked and not being believed when she reported it to staff at the bar where it happened.

The police spokesperson said: “We received a report of spiking by injection over the weekend. As soon as we received this report, an investigation was launched and a number of enquiries were carried out.

“The victim was also provided with the appropriate specialist support.

“There is no medical evidence at this time to suggest that the victim was injected. However, we are continuing to monitor the situation and will provide a further update should the situation change.

“This is the first such report of needle spiking that we have received in Surrey, although we do occasionally receive reports of drink spiking.”

They added: “We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact their local police force. Any reports of spiking will be investigated and taken seriously.

“Advice and guidance on spiking (both drink and injection), is available here:”.

The incidents at Mishiko Nightclub are alleged to have taken place on August 10, when a woman was taken to hospital for treatment following the incident, September 16 when two female victims also had to seek hospital treatment and a third incident at the same venue on August 13.

Reigate and Banstead Borough Commander Inspector Alex Maguire said: “We have carried out enquiries into the three reports of drink spiking we are aware of and at the moment, we do not have any evidence to prove these, but our enquiries remain ongoing.

“We will continue to work with the venue to tackle this issue, including giving advice to the venue’s staff in how to recognise the signs in someone whose drink has been spiked, and what to do in that situation.”