Police warning after cluster of drink spiking complaints
Police are going bar to bar in Christchurch, handing out pamphlets on drink spiking after receiving a cluster of complaints.
The initiative comes as a 33-year-old man faces charges of stupefying two women – sexually assaulting one and trying to sexually assault the other – in July. The women, who knew each other, had been drinking at Mama Hooch on Colombo St, but the alleged offending happened at another inner city location.
Detective Senior Sergeant Scott Anderson said there had been an increase in drink spiking reports over the past month.
Police officers handed pamphlets to people outside licensed premises in the city centre between 9pm and 2am last weekend.
‘‘Due to the increase in reporting . . . it’s about educating the community to be aware that this sort of thing could possibly be happening and be vigilant around their drinking when out in licensed premises,’’ Anderson said.
The pamphlet warns people to buy their own drinks and be wary of accepting drinks from strangers or people they do not know well, including bar staff, ‘‘even if they seem really genuine’’.
‘‘Keep an eye on your drink and your friends’ drinks – when dancing, going to the toilet or talking to other people.
‘‘If your drink looks cloudy, or changes in colour/consistency, or doesn’t taste right, don’t drink it,’’ it says.
Police advised people to keep any suspicious drinks for evidence and to tell the bar manager or police.
Anyone feeling drowsy or suddenly ‘‘out of it’’, should have a friend or someone they trust take them to a safe place, rather than hoping it will pass.
‘‘If a friend is drunk, feeling sick, uncoordinated, confused or faint, stay with them. Don’t leave them alone,’’ the pamphlet says.
Anderson said police had not yet decided how long they would continue handing out the pamphlets.
Hospitality New Zealand business development manager Amy McLellan-Minty applauded police for ‘‘doing their bit around education with the bars’’.
‘‘Drink spiking may, unfortunately, be on the increase, which is disappointing and not something our organisation would ever condone,’’ she said.
A Mama Hooch spokesman earlier said: ‘‘We’re doing everything we can to help with the investigation.’’
The accused man, who has interim name suppression, first appeared in the Christchurch District Court on August 24. He was charged with unlawful sexual connection, attempted unlawful sexual connection, two counts of stupefying, and supplying, administering or dealing in ecstasy.
He was granted bail.