Beware risk of needle spiking at festive parties

CThe effects of drink spiking could include loss of balance, visual problems, lowered inhibitions and nausea

HRISTMAS is around the corner and how wonderful it is for everyone to be thinking about the social side of the festive period again. How different to this time last year, when essential Covid restrictions meant parties and meals out were shelved in favour of staying home and staying safe.

Twelve months on, and the country’s hugely successful vaccine roll-out means that millions of people are free to plan get-togethers and make up for 2020.

However, we are not yet out of the woods, and we still need to do our bit to manage the number of Covid cases.

In the last few days, we have seen how stricter measures are being taken against the virus across the European Union, acting as a reminder to everyone in the UK to ensure they are fully vaccinated and, if they are entitled to a booster, to arrange one through the NHS website.

But if the key to a safe and sociable Christmas lies with one form of injection, then potential danger rests with another – the worrying rise in cases of people using needles to inject and drug innocent partygoers in bars and nightclubs, along with spiking their drinks.

Over the past two months, nearly 200 drink-spiking incidents have been reported to police forces across the UK and just last month a University of Derby student suspected someone had tampered with his drink at a city nightclub.

He said he blacked out and later woke up covered in cuts and bruises – only to find out his keys and wallet had been stolen.

The most common victims are teenagers and 20-somethings, who are being urged to be vigilant if they are heading to the pub, bar or club this Christmas.

Firstly, they should always keep an eye on their drink to make it more difficult for someone to spike it and anyone who feels unsafe or threatened can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff or even the police.

The effects of drink spiking vary but could include lowered inhibitions, loss of balance, visual problems, confusion, nausea, vomiting and even unconsciousness.

If a friend is showing any signs of spiking tell a bar manager or member of staff, stay with them and keep talking to them or call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates.

And if you see someone in distress, please don’t let them go home on their own or let them leave with someone you don’t know or trust.

Spiking drinks is an offence punishable by up to 10 years imprisonment, meaning that anyone who is caught in the act faces a serious sanction.

For everybody else, it’s a reminder that although we can look forward to a return to festive partying, we still need to keep our guard up, even when we’re letting our hair down.