Anti-spiking kits to be handed out by police in Ambleside and Bowness

Police in Cumbria are stepping up activities to prevent spiking this week to tie in with the return of students to university – and to keep nights out as safe as possible for all.

Anti-spiking kits will be handed out and advice offered to people out in pubs, restaurants, clubs and venues.

Officers are also working with the University of Cumbria and partners staffing the county’s two Safer Streets Welfare Hubs, which provide support and advice to people on a night out.

Police patrols are already in place during the busier times across the county’s night-time economy, with officers dedicated to identifying those displaying concerning or predatory behaviour.

Detective Inspector Mike Taylor is the Cumbria Police dedicated operational detective inspector overseeing work on the issue of violence against women and girls.

He said: “Keeping people safe and preventing offences such as spiking are issues that are important to us all-year-round.

“But we are placing extra emphasis at this point in the year due to freshers’ week taking place and students either starting or returning to university and college.”

Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. For example, in their drink.

DI Taylor added: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime and can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims.

“Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can be carried out by strangers or people you know

“But it makes sense to place an extra focus on it at a time like freshers’ week.

“This is a time when a lot of young people are going out for the first time in a new place, are just settling into a new town or city and are maybe just being away from home for the first time.

“Cumbria is a safe place to live or attend university or college – and we have a much lower number of these types of spiking offences than many other places.

“But we do receive reports here – and are never complacent.”

Officers will be attending University of Cumbria campuses in Ambleside and Carlisle this week to offer advice and hand out anti-spiking drink protectors, which consist of a cover to place over drinks and through which a straw can fit.

They will be doing the same at the Safer Streets Welfare Hubs when they are in operation at Carlisle and Bowness-on-Windermere on Saturday.

Police will also be visiting licensees and venue security staff to enlist their help in preventing and spotting offences.

DI Taylor said: “Most cases of spiking don’t lead to sexual assault or theft.

“But spiking can cause severe distress, emotional harm and anxiety. It can take a long time to recover from someone spiking you.

“Victims can be male as well as female – but women are predominantly more likely to be targeted.

“Whatever the intention, the outcome is leaving women vulnerable and feeling unsafe.

“We therefore treat spiking with the same seriousness as other crimes relating to violence against women and girls.”

DI Taylor said the earlier people report offences such as this the better - because if the spiking was carried out with a drug, some drugs can leave the body within hours, so testing is better done sooner than later.

He added: “We would also like to know about any spiking incident, no matter how long ago it happened.

“Our main concern is to make sure the victim gets the support they need. Once the victim is well enough, we are here to support and investigate.

“One of the main points we would make to victims is: You are not to blame. This is never the fault of the victim.

“Sometimes people are afraid to speak to the police, perhaps thinking no one will believe them.

“You can tell us about spiking even if you don't want to go through with forensic testing and an investigation.

“No matter who you are, how long ago the spiking happened or what took place, our prime concern is to give you the support you need.”

Dr Billie McNeill, criminology lecturer at the University of Cumbria, said: “We continue to support this important initiative and the work with several of our students, including those on policing and criminology programmes.

‘’This voluntary role provides them with the opportunity to make a real contribution to our community and residents.”