Police warn of the dangers of drink spiking

Police have engaged in a whole week in a crackdown on spiking

Essex Police officers have been giving people advice on how to protect themselves against their drinks being spiked.

The initiative comes as the force targeted Freshers' Week last month, where they provided students with information on how to keep safe during nights out.

Officers also visited more than 20 pubs and clubs and held 24 engagement events across Essex.

Ch Insp Paul Hogben admitted that the prevalence of the crime was not a “huge issue” in the county but that it “probably happens more than is reported”.

‘Consequences devastating’

“We would advise people not to leave their drinks unattended,” said Ch Insp Hogben, and do not accept drinks from people they do not know.

He added that people should look out for drinks that are cloudy when they should not be, and to seek medical advice immediately if they suspect their drink has been spiked.

“Quite often they [the perpetrators] want to commit a sexual offence, but we have seen it where males have been spiked in order to be robbed.

“The consequences can be devastating," he said.

'Anything can be spiked’

Spiking is often related to someone putting something in a drink. However, it can take “other forms”, according to an Essex charity.

Joni Thompson, clinical and business development director for Open Road, said: “The majority of cases are related to alcohol.

"If someone has ordered a single shot and they get bought a double or a triple, that can be considered an offence if there is nefarious intent.

“We have seen cases of vape spiking. Anything can be spiked."

She added: "If you take something you have been given that has been contaminated without knowing it, that is a spiking offence.

“We have some anti-spiking kits that we give out, such as drink covers that go over the top of glasses that you can put straws in and also spike toppers for bottles."

‘I died for 30 seconds’

Maddi McCormack from Southend was targeted by a needle in a nightclub earlier this year.

“I was out clubbing, and the next thing I know, I was unconscious on the floor,” she said.

“I couldn’t feel my legs; I couldn’t speak. I was non-verbal and had four seizures. It was terrifying. In hospital, I died for 30 seconds.

“I was needle injected. It has changed my perspective on life. I won’t go clubbing again.”

Ms McCormack said the perpetrator of the act was never caught.

“The club was overcapacity that night,” she said and added that no one could see on CCTV who had done it.

“It’s heartbreaking for me, as I don’t know if this person can do it again," she said.