Extra patrols in Southampton as police crackdown on spiking

Hampshire police say they are raising awareness of the issue and putting measures in place to protect people.

Autumn 2021 saw an increase in drink and needle spiking reports, according to the county force.

Despite, reports decreasing throughout the county since then, police "know that students returning to university will still be concerned".

In an attempt to cut down on the number of incidents, officers have been working with bars and clubs in Southampton so venues are "spike aware". 

As well as this, they have made sure that all staff are able to care for people who report that they have been spiked. 

READ MORE: Southampton spiking victim calls for 'emphasis on perpetrators'

Patrols are due to be stepped up, with the force saying it will show presence around halls of residence, bars and clubs. 

Violence Against Women and Girls Co-ordinator for Hampshire police, Detective Inspector Peter Boakes, said drink spiking is a big concern. 

"We’ve been working tirelessly to further develop our understanding of spiking incidents in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight," he added.

“We are committed to identifying and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators, especially those who target women and girls.

“We take each and every report very seriously.”

READ MORE: Southampton woman reports needle spiking in Trilogy club

Staff at venues have also been told to urge victims to call the police if they think they have been spiked. 

The force says officers will then consider the best way to investigate the report including taking a sample for forensic examination. 

Multi-drug urine test kits have also been bought which give an immediate reading and help to obtain early evidence. 

These have already been successfully used in Southampton, the New Forest, Test Valley, Gosport and Portsmouth.

The testing kits will only be used to detect drugs used in spiking cases and officers will reportedly never use them for people who take drugs recreationally.

Common spiking symptoms are confusion, lack of coordination, slurred speech, nausea, hallucinations, vomiting, paranoia and unconsciousness.

Detective Inspector Boakes, added: “We have sought to provide the highest level of specialist training and support to our staff and officers to enable us to deliver the best service.

“We are making a plea to any bystanders who witness spiking incidents – whether that involves a female or male victim – to speak out, encourage wider reporting and offer up any information about those responsible directly to the police.

“We are absolutely clear that we do not tolerate any form of spiking at all.

"Individuals who are going out intending to behave in this way will be found and will be stopped.”

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