Police have taken part in a targeted week of action to prevent spiking and improve police investigations into the crime.
The national spiking intensification week, which ran from 16 to 22 September, focused on the night-time economy during Freshers’ Week and saw officers engaging with students and educating them about the signs of spiking as well as offering support and advice.
Drink spiking is the process of adding an additional substance, such as drugs or alcohol, to someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission.
It is an under-reported crime which affects a variety of people and usually takes place in busy places like pubs, bars and nightclubs.
During the week of action, officers were supported by members of the Special Constabulary and the Police Cadets who handed out awareness leaflets and anti-spiking bottle stoppers to students and members of the public in the night-time economy.
The Crime Prevention and Alcohol licensing team also worked with pubs and clubs across the county highlighting the issue of spiking to their staff members.
They were taught how to spot predatory behaviour and recognise the signs of spiking and were advised how to help victims report incidents.
Inspector Alec Linton said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime and can have a traumatic and long-lasting impact on victims.
“This dedicated week of action demonstrates our ongoing commitment to tackling spiking and keeping people safe from harm.
“We work closely with the county’s licensed venues all year round in order to pursue perpetrators and safeguard potential victims.
“I want to reassure people that we take all reports of spiking seriously and I would strongly encourage anyone who has been spiked to report it to police straight away to give us the best chances of capturing evidential opportunities.
“Spiking has no place in Gloucestershire and we will do all we can to bring those who commit these horrific offences to justice.”
If a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise call police on the non-emergency number 101 or report it online here: https://www.gloucestershire.police.uk/contact/af/contact-us/us/a-crime-that-has-already-been-reported/
