Drink spiking

READERS might recall that one issue I have taken a particular interest in over the past few years is that of drink ‘spiking’ and the steps which can be taken to combat it.

Spiking is a dreadful crime and my interest in helping deal with it was sparked by the experiences of a local family in my constituency whose son died after having his drink ‘spiked’.

They set up the action group Spike Aware which gathers together people who have either been victims of drink and needle ‘spiking’ or had their lives impacted in some way by this crime.

They are the only registered charity and support network for victims of drink and needle ‘spiking’ in the UK.

The Criminal Justice Bill which is currently going through the House of Commons includes provisions to clarify that ‘spiking’ is illegal and which will be backed with separate guidance, set in law, to provide a clear, unequivocal definition of what ‘spiking’ is.

This will give victims reTHE newed confidence to come forward, increase public awareness of the crime and enforce that perpetrators will face up to 10 years behind bars.

I have placed my name in support of amendments to the Bill which are designed to tighten up the new clauses to ensure the offence covers not only ‘successful’ spiking but also attempted spiking and spiking for ‘fun’, which is where the practice is designed to humiliate or annoy the victim.

I hope that, if passed, these amendments to the law will help tackle the scourge of ‘spiking’, which harms thousands of people every year across the UK, and that comparable action can be taken at the Scottish Parliament to give everyone the fullest protection possible from it.

CCTV

CONCERNS over antisocial continue to be reported to me by local residents and it is a matter I am continuing to pursue with the police and other relevant authorities.

In the fight against antisocial behaviour, there is no doubt that a modern CCTV system is an invaluable tool, deterring such activities and helping the police identify those who continue to participate in it.

So I support the plans by Scottish Borders Council to take forward the replacement of the outdated cameras in Peebles, alongside those in other Borders towns, with a new state-of-the-art system which will improve performance and provide better quality video.

Local people have the right to safety and security within their community and I hope the planned overhaul of Peebles’ CCTV system will help ensure this is indeed the case.