Katy Bourne PCC: Drink and injection spiking being taken "extremely seriously"
We've spoken to the Police and Crime Commissioner following a rise in reports across the country
Sussex Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Katy Bourne insists drink and injection spiking is being taken "extremely seriously".
We've spoken with Katy following reports from elsewhere in the country of women having their drinks spiked, as well as being physically injected with drugs while in bars and clubs.
She said: "Definitely we can understand why members of the public are concerned about this, especially given the environment at the moment with lots of talk around the violence against women and girls in public spaces following a couple of very high profile murders. So I totally understand why people are concerned in Sussex. We've got several universities, we've just had freshers' weeks so lots of partying happening and the last thing we want is young people, you know, going out clubbing and being concerned for their safety.
"From Sussex Police's POV at the moment as far as the needle spiking goes as far as I know, we've not had any reports come into our force, but I am aware having spoken with several of my Police and Crime Commissioner colleagues around the country that they've had reports in Devon and Cornwall and Nottingham.
Despite no reports so far of any needle spiking, Katy says Sussex Police are looking to get ahead of the problem.
She said: "It comes under the operational name Operation Marble and when it comes to working with night clubs you've got for example the licencing team will work very closely with all the club premises, and make sure that they play an active role in ensuring the safety of their patrons.
Night clubs are expected to identify vulnerable individuals so that they can be protected and then the licencing team will do unannounced spot checks on clubs and pubs across not just Brighton and Hove City, but some of the other bigger towns where there are lots of pubs and clubs and they will be checking to ensure that those premises are doing what they should be doing, and you know, as any of the clubs will tell you they it's in their interest to make sure that their customers have the best experience."
Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked all police forces for updates to discover how widespread spiking is.