Officers across Essex support national Anti-Spiking Intensification Week

Officers from Essex Police took part in a targeted week of action to educate the public around the issue of spiking by speaking to people in towns and cities across the county.

The proactive week of activities saw officers engage with people about the issue by visiting schools, colleges, universities and shopping centres to share advice, offer support and hand out test kits.

The operation also targeted the night-time economy by working with pubs and clubs in key locations to give up-to-date information on how to spot and handle spiking in their premises.

The activities were part of the Anti-Spiking Intensification Week, the first national week of action to tackle spiking, which ran from Monday 18 to Sunday 24 March.

Chief Inspector Paul Hogben, Essex Police tactical lead on Spiking, said:

“There is no doubt that Essex is a fantastic place to enjoy a night out. Thousands of people who live in the county, or visit, do so every week.
“We want to support them to do this by ensuring they have information to protect themselves from spiking, know what to do if they think they - or someone they know - has been spiked and how to report it.
“The week has enabled us to focus our attention on spiking by speaking to people across the county.
“This complemented the work we do all year round to help keep people in Essex safe by targeting predatory behaviour and those looking to exploit people enjoying a night out.
“Our officers trained in behaviour detection techniques were also on patrol, ready to disrupt anyone intent on committing offences.
“We also want to make sure that all incidents are reported to us and reported quickly to help us investigate.”

Across the week officers carried a range of activities including:

• A night of action in Chelmsford on Saturday 23 March, supported by community partners, which focused on education and awareness of violence against women and girls and drink spiking.
  
  
• In Southend we ran a Safe Space on Friday 22 March and Saturday 23 March with local partners, which involved provided information about drink spiking and giving out stop tops.
  They also ran an event with a local health clinic and SOS Crisis, supported by officers from our Adult Sexual Assault Investigation Team, to talk about drink spiking.
  
  
• Our community policing teams and our licensing teams spoke to staff and owners at venues about how they can support spiking investigations and information on how to keep their customers safe.

Chief Insp Hogben said:

“Spiking is a complex offence to investigate. Quick reporting and early evidence gathering is key.
“Which is why it’s important that young people in particular are aware of the symptoms of spiking and feel confident in reporting it to us.
“This awareness raising alongside our work with licensed venues to train bar staff in how to handle spiking in their premises is part of our continued commitment to helping people in Essex enjoy themselves and keep safe.”

 

What should I do if I think I’ve been spiked?

Report it to us online or ring us on 101. If it’s an emergency or a crime in progress, ring 999.

We need to know about every possible spiking so we can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place. If you are out in a bar or club, you can report to a member of staff, who will be able to help and support you.

If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call NHS 111.

If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, in Essex you can go to the Brentwood Sexual Assault Referral Centre (SARC) for specialist care and support. At a SARC, you can receive a medical or forensic examination (whether or not you decide to report to the police).

If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, you can also call Victim Support on 0808 1 689 111.

 

What happens when I am tested?

If we feel it’s appropriate, we will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in a very short time (within 12 hours), so it’s important to test as soon as possible.

Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing will be considered up to seven days after the incident. The test we use is the most effective way of finding out whether you have been spiked.

If you are tested in a hospital or by your GP, you will need to also have a police test, as this is what can be used as evidence to support charges or convictions.

If you tell us how much you have drunk and whether you have voluntarily taken drugs, we will be able to provide a more accurate result. It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting spiking.

The test results will come back in three weeks and will be discussed with you.

For more information, guidance or support visit the police.uk website.