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The fight against drink spiking in North Lancashire

Tuesday, 1 February 2022 10:44

There have been a number of reports of drink spiking locally over the last few months, with dozens being reported to local police since November.

Whilst there has been a limited number of reports in Lancashire, police want to reassure people that they are responding positively to concerns and taking firm action to ensure they can enjoy their nights out safely.

Officers are now working with Lancaster City Council’s Licencing Team to try and make local venues as safe as possible, including making testing kits widely available.

Sgt Adie Knowles from Lancashire Police told Beyond Radio: ‘’Historically someone might spike a drink to get a laugh from the response of the person targeted, or to facilitate a sexual offence. Fortunately, there has been little evidence of that happening so far.

‘’The message is we are proactive in our approach and want to make people going out in Lancaster and Morecambe as safe as possible.

‘’Investigating such incidents can often be difficult as we have to access things like a victim’s vulnerability and how much they had to drink. But people can do their best to stay safe by going out with people who they know, making sure they know how they’re getting home, and looking out for each other.

‘’Door and bar staff also look out for people in trouble. The more we look out for one another the more everyone will be safe, and this kind of thing won’t happen.’’

There are currently a number of initiatives to protect revellers from drink spiking. In partnership with local bars, pubs and clubs in the county, the Spike Aware campaign aims to raise awareness of spiking and help people to feel safe whilst on a night out.

Licensed venues across the county who display Spike Aware posters are working with Lancashire Police as part of Operation Night Guardian which is our proactive response to deterring and detecting spiking offences.

Operation Night Guardian and Spike Aware are funded by Police and Crime Commissioner Andrew Snowden and form part of the Violence Against Women and Girls strategy in creating a safer environment and addressing personal safety concerns.

Additional deterrents as part of this work include the roll out of special drink testing kits, allowing officers and licensees to act quickly to reports of suspected spikings to safeguard people, deter offences and raise the risk of offenders being caught. This is supported by posters and other in venue materials to raise awareness of the scheme.

The operation involves increased patrols in and around licenced premises by both plain clothed and uniformed officers who will be there to reassure revellers and look out for suspicious activity and offending behaviour.

Street pastors and other support workers in key areas will offer both emotional and practical help to those who may be in need of care during a night out. 

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