Police campaign to stop spiked drinks this Christmas
Argyll’s police force has launched a safety campaign this Christmas to prevent people’s drinks being spiked in pubs and clubs, writes Sandy Neil.
Spiking, whether by adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink, or by injection, without their consent, is a criminal offence. It can put people at significant risk of harm.
The Christmas initiative was created to reassure people they can go for a night out without fearing that their drinks will be spiked.
Reusable silicon bottle tops are being issued by local police officers to licensed premises and their patrons throughout the region.
Rolling out the scheme across Argyll and Bute, community policing sergeant Chris Edwards from Oban Police Station said: ‘This is another great initiative seeing the police and licensees working together to keep everyone safe this festive season, with funding from the Alcohol & Drug Partnership.
‘Spiking drinks has been much reported in the press recently and these bottle tops are another great tool to prevent people being harmed when out enjoying themselves.’
Police Scotland said anyone who reports having their drink spiked or has been assaulted by whatever means, will be taken seriously.
‘We would encourage anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked or been assaulted in this way to contact Police Scotland on 101 or in an emergency 999.
‘We are working in communities, with licensees, pubs and clubs offering bystander training to help spot the signs of when someone may be at risk.
‘Officers throughout Argyll will be visiting licensed premises and conducting random spot checks with substance misuse wipes to detect and deter the use of drugs. We want everyone to enjoy the festive season, to stay safe and away from the harmful effects of drug use.’