15 spiking reports in Aberdeen in last month and a half
Chief Superintendent George MacDonald told Aberdeen Councillors today Police have had 15 reports between September 1st and October 21st
Last updated 27th Oct 2021
Chief Superintendent for Police Scotland in the North East, George MacDonald, has revealed the number of spiking incidents reported to them in the last month and a half.
MacDonald told Aberdeen City Council's public protection committee meeting this morning they've had 15 reports from Aberdeen in the time frame from the 1st of September through to October 21st.
This includes various methods of spiking, but earlier Northsound confirmed with Police they're investigating at least two which involved the use of a needle.
Other common methods of drugging include dropping drugs into a drink, or most commonly, adding more alcohol to a drink - all of course without the person consuming the beverage consenting.
Chief Superintendent MacDonald said:
"Clearly we are aware of the national trends and we try to respond and adjust accordingly.
"To provide some context, we have done some analysis based on the period 1st of September to 21st of October, so very very relevant.
"We have received reports of 15 incidents linked to the night time economy.
"These types of inquiries can be quite complex. Some of them have been reported to us weeks after the occurence.
"However, we are well versed in relation to dealing with incidents where there's allegations of drugging."
The Council's committee voted to order a report from Police Scotland's North East Division into spiking.
They are asking for figures of reports and arrests, and details of what Police are doing to combat the issue.
READ MORE: Spiking by needle
Councillor Ryan Houghton, who leads the Conservatives in the Council, brought the motion.
He, whilst keen to raise awareness of growing alarm which has led to a proposed boycott of nightclubs tomorrow night, wanted to avoid an "alarmist" attitude.
But speaking on the topic of victim blaming, Councillor Houghton said:
"Aberdeen as a city, as a council, as a committee, we're not blaming victims here.
"That is not happening in the city, it's is not the fault of someone if they get spiked."