‘I only had one drink before I couldn’t see, walk or talk’
WOMEN TELL THEIR SCARY STORIES OF BEING SPIKED
HUNDREDS of people in Hull have shared their frightening stories about being spiked while on a night out.
Many said they had been on the receiving end of such experiences while out in the city, which can be done by strangers as well as people they know.
The crime is usually associated with someone putting alcohol or drugs into someone’s drink, but fears have been raised recently over reports of people being injected while on a night out – though experts have sought to reassure people that the likelihood of being spiked, especially via needle, is extremely low.
That said, Humberside Police have confirmed they are investigating reports a woman was “spiked by injection” in Silvers Bar & Restaurant at the weekend, just hours after a man reported he had also been spiked in the same bar.
The force described the incidents as an “extremely distressing experience”, with both victims left shaken.
On Tuesday night, Silvers also announced additional security measures in response to the incidents, including extra security staff and stricter door policies.
Figures show that incidents of spiking tend to increase around autumn as students return to their university cities and more people visit night-time venues.
Recent spiking reports have left people, women being the over
whelming majority, “terrified of going out”. It even spurred a 24-yearold woman to start a petition asking the Government to make searching guests at bars a legal requirement, with 150,000 signatures reached so far.
Groups from more than 30 UK universities have also joined an online campaign calling for the boycott of nightclubs in a bid to seek “tangible” changes to make them safer.
Following the surge, Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked police forces to assess the scale of the problem.
Detective Chief Inspector Pete
Thorp said Humberside Police is working with door staff and licensees to help them spot the signs of “anything potentially concerning”, including spiking.
“These signs include anyone acting or behaving suspiciously with another person who looks too intoxicated or has been separated from friends, or anyone trying to get someone out on their own, in a dark corner or secluded spot – or anyone leading someone into a taxi or unmarked car,” he said.
“We take all reports seriously and we would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact us as soon as possible.”
Hundreds of people across the region have shared with Hull Live that they have been a victim of other forms of spiking. Almost 200 people shared their experiences in the city on social media.
Some individuals recalled how they had been spiked more than once, with some saying it was by people they know, or that it had even happened to their children.
One woman wanted to make people aware that it doesn’t just happen to a certain age group.
She said: “It happened last year. I’m in my 50s and was out with my husband in a quiet seaside town. I can’t remember a lot of the evening, I kept falling down, vomiting and passing out, I’d had alcohol but no where near enough to have these affects.
“I started having psychotic episodes and hallucinations. I was taken to hospital where I stayed overnight and the police were involved.
“Sadly, it’s not just young girls that are drink spiked it really can be anyone.”
One woman recalled a scary experience at a local and popular pub. She said: “I only had one drink. Before I knew it, I couldn’t see, walk or talk properly. My friend had left me to talk to her [boyfriend] and I was lifted by the bouncers and just left on the pavement outside.
“Luckily, someone recognised me and was kind enough to take me home. God knows what could have happened otherwise.”
Another woman said that it can happen with people you know as well as strangers. She shared: “My ex thought he was funny doing it to me and another girl.”
Another woman added: “My daughter scared me so much. Good job she got brought home from a friend’s dad at the time. The next thing she couldn’t move at all.”
Nightclubs are also stepping up measures to protect customers.
The Piper, based in Hull’s Newland Avenue, issued an update across their social media platforms saying: “Working in partnership with Humberside Police, Safer Hull & partner agencies, we have drink spike test kits available.
“We always aim to make our venue as safe as possible and in light of recent national events we are advancing our safety measures. If you believe your drink has been tampered with, please alert a member of our team and we will happily test your drink.
“A stricter search policy will be in place so please allow extra time on entry for these searches to be completed fully.”
For more information on drink spiking or to someone contact Hull Connect Support via hull.connectto support.org