Hundreds of drink and injection spiking incidents have been reported to police forces across the UK over the past two months.
The National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) revealed there have been around 140 confirmed reports across September and October of drink spiking, and 24 reports of some form of injection.
It said the “concerning number” included both men and women – though the majority of cases featured young women.
The NPCC said several reports have been identified in England, Scotland and Wales in the past couple of days.
The organisation’s lead for drugs, Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin, said: “There are both male and female victims, though the majority have been young women. Alleged offences have taken place at licensed premises and private parties.”
He added: “Clearly these reports are very concerning. We are working at pace with forces, law enforcement agencies such as the NCA and other partners including the Home Office and universities to understand the scale of offending, establish any links between the allegations and ultimately bring any identified offenders to justice.
“Ahead of the weekend, and looking further to the Halloween weekend, please be assured that forces are working closer than ever before with pubs and clubs to help tackle the issue and encouraging premises to increase searches at entry points to the venues. Police are also working with venues to make sure all staff are alert to the issue and to advise them of what to do if they see signs of spiking.
“We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact their local police force. Any reports of spiking will be investigated and taken seriously.”
It comes as two men have been arrested on suspicion of conspiring to administer poison in connection with a spate of reported drink-spiking incidents involving needles in Nottingham.
Nottinghamshire Police said the men, aged 18 and 19, were arrested after receiving information from a member of the public on Wednesday, following a general appeal for help from a senior officer.
Two arrests in connection with spiking investigation
Officers received a report from a member of the public on 20 October, following a plea from a senior officer for anyone with information on spikings to come forward.
Read more: https://t.co/4uveth5tyH pic.twitter.com/HUtB2ifDeu— Notts Police (@nottspolice) October 22, 2021
The force said both had been arrested “on suspicion of conspiracy to administer poison with intent to injure, annoy or aggrieve”, and they remain in police custody.
The arrests are not being linked to any specific allegation of spiking by a needle, or contamination of a drink.
Both men have since been released under investigation, the force said in an update.
Nottinghamshire Police said it will deploy extra officers to ensure people can enjoy a “safe night out”.
Superintendent Kathryn Craner, said: “I have been speaking all week about our plans for the weekend and I now want to reassure people that they are all in place.
“There will be more officers patrolling the streets over this weekend and future weekends including Halloween to continue to keep people safe.”
Elsewhere, Lincolnshire Police said it had arrested a 35-year-old man at 3am on Friday in connection with an attempted drink-spiking at a nightclub in Lincoln.
The suspected offence “doesn’t involve a needle”, the force said.
Welcoming the arrest, Lincolnshire’s police and crime commissioner Marc Jones said: “We cannot accept people being unsafe when they go out with friends for a drink.
“This arrest should send a huge signal to those would-be criminals who look to prey on our community in this despicable way.”
