Police launch anti-spiking campaign

The anti-spiking campaign will run from 15 to 21 September

A drink spiking awareness campaign has been launched by police with a focus on consequences for the perpetrators.

Officers will be on patrols across Cambridge and Peterborough city centres, working closely with licensed venues, Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and Peterborough Positive to improve safety measures.

It coincides with the return of university students and aims to make nightlife safer for everyone.

Digital boards with information will also be displayed at universities during Freshers' Week.

'Remain vigilant'

The campaign focuses on consequences for any potential perpetrators and aims to raise awareness about how adding alcohol to someone's drink is a serious crime.

It hopes to challenge myths surrounding spiking, in particular that spiking only involves so-called date rape drugs and gives clarity around what constitutes as spiking.

Insp Ed McNeill said: "Spiking is an incredibly serious offence, and alcohol-based spiking is no exception. It's often dismissed or even seen as a joke, but it can leave victims confused, vulnerable and traumatised.

"If someone gives you a double when you asked for a single, that's spiking. It's about consent and removing that consent is a crime.

"This campaign is about confronting perpetrators and making it clear that spiking has consequences. It has no place in Cambridgeshire."

Dr Raj Lakshman, Director of Public Health, Peterborough City Council, said: "Whilst the chances of being spiked are low, we would urge people to always remain vigilant when on nights out or at social events.

"If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, it is vitally important to seek help straight away.

"If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance."

Anti-spiking covers will be available at venues across Peterborough offering an extra layer of protection and helping to prevent drink tampering, the force said.

Pep Cipriano, chief operating officer, Peterborough Positive, said: "As part of our daily in-person engagements with our business community, we're able to distribute DrinkSafe covers to venues and to retailers who can hand them to their employees.

"This campaign is a great example of partnership working that directly benefits our residents."