146 reports of ‘needle spiking’ – but no witnesses or charges brought

POLICE have received 146 reports of “needle spiking” incidents in Nottingham in just over two months.

It emerged in October that people were reporting being jabbed by a needle while on nights out in Nottingham city centre – with many coming forward to say they feel they had been a victim.

Despite nine people being arrested by police, no-one has yet been charged with any crime.

Despite the figure, the number of reports has seen a “steady decrease”, according to the force.

Police said the vast majority of incidents were initially focused around a small number of venues in the city centre, but since then reports widened to more venues across the city, including both pubs and clubs.

Reported offences have also taken place on different days and there is no intelligence to suggest that incidents were being targeted to one specific venue, police said.

A boycott of nightclubs and bars was organised in response to the reports, with the “Girls Night In” protests being carried out in Nottingham and across the country.

The majority of reports have continued to come from women but there have also been reports of men being potentially spiked.

As a result of the high number of reports, meetings have been held twice a week including representatives from police, EMAS, universities, QMC and Nottingham City Council.

Throughout October and November, police began to receive a significant number of reports of alleged spiking by needle, rather than the more well known method of contaminated drinks.

During the same period 143 incidents were also reported of people potentially having their drinks spiked.

Six of the reports involved a victim alleging they had been sexually assaulted following a possible spiking. However, none of these six reports involves the victim reporting they have been spiked by a needle.

Nottinghamshire Police Assistant Chief Constable Rob Griffin said: “I understand that when people see these numbers of reports that it can cause concern.

“However, I want to provide those visiting our city centre with the reassurance that this number is caused in part by increased confidence to report. We have consistently asked victims and witnesses to come forward and report to us and others if they either think they have been the victim of a spiking or hold any information that is relevant to this issue.

“Many people have done this and

I wanted to give my personal thanks to them. Working with our partners we have developed a joined-up response to each and every report to ensure that whenever a victim reports one of these crimes we ensure they get the best medical treatment and support but also that we maximise every opportunity to gather evidence.

“This has involved detectives and paramedics working together as first responders to reports but due to the

nature of these offences it has proven quite difficult to establish what has happened in each and every case.

“None of the offences have been witnessed.

“We have sought the advice and opinion of forensic pathologists on occasion to examine injuries.

“It is perhaps not surprising given the environment in which these offences have taken place, that our investigations in relation to the cause of any injury has often been inconclusive. As part of our immediate response we have used drug testing kits and on some occasions have sent samples for further examination and analysis.

“To date we have only found evidence in one sample of prohibited substances. These were ketamine and cocaine.

“Unfortunately, the time delay, which is often inevitable, between the incident happening and a report to the police can affect the forensic window, which is extremely narrow.

“I therefore really encourage people to report incidents just as soon as they know about them.”

ACC Griffin added: “I would also like to say a huge thank you to all of the partners that have been involved throughout the last few months in responding to the number of reports and working alongside the officers in keeping the people of Nottingham safe.

“The joint effort and seeing each of the organisations come together has shown how key the relationships between the partners in Nottingham and the police are in working together to tackle issues such as spiking.

“Even with the steady decline in cases we will continue to work together to make sure those enjoying their time in Nottingham city centre are kept safe and reassured that our officers will do everything in their power to keep people safe.

“We have worked hard alongside partners to make sure venues and staff members working in the nighttime economy are aware of how to report incidents and who they can speak to and this is something that will continue long into the future.

“These reports have shown how important it is to work together and how a joint partnership is essential in keeping people safe and shows just how strong Nottinghamshire Police’s relationship with other agencies is.”

City centre Chief Inspector Amy English said: “Our officers have been working incredibly hard alongside partners across the city to ensure that people feel safe whilst out in the night-time economy.

“Even though the reports of spikings are declining this doesn’t mean we will stop implementing these reassurance measures.”

Anyone who believes they have been a victim of spiking are still being urged to report it to the police by calling 101, as soon as possible so officers have the best possible chance of carrying out forensic analysis.

Natalie Baker-swift, head of the Violence Reduction Unit, said: “The multi-agency response, led by Nottinghamshire Police, to the reports of spiking during October and November demonstrated how effective partnership working can be when we work together to make our streets feel safe.

“We will continue to keep that momentum going through preventative and enforcement approaches to ensure communities, and women in particular, feel safe when enjoying a night out in Nottingham.” Police say they have worked closely with representatives from both universities in Nottingham to ensure that students were reassured and aware of the measures being put in place by the force and partner agencies throughout the city. Muhammad Ali, a community officer for University of Nottingham students’ union, said: “I’ve welcomed the open and collaborative approach that the police have taken to this issue, and thank them for the work they have done to try and ensure our members are safer.” Nottinghamshire Victim CARE is able to provide help to any victim affected by spiking. The team can be contacted on 0800 304 7575 or at nottsvictimcare.org.uk).

BUT CASES ARE DECLINING AND POLICE AND PARTNERS WORKING HARD TO KEEP REVELLERS SAFE

Whenever a victim reports one of these crimes we ensure they get the best medical treatment and support but also that we maximise every opportunity to gather evidence

ACC Rob Griffin