Spiking must be police priority, students say

Spiking should be a clear priority for police as it is a "big issue", students have warned.

A survey by Durham's Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Joy Allen found that about seven in 10 Durham University students want more time spent on tackling spiking incidents across the county, with 47% saying spiking is a large problem.

Allen said cases of spiking had risen sharply in the UK and was a "serious concern" in Durham, adding it must remain a focus for policing leaders and partners throughout the region.

"Behind each statistic is a victim likely to have suffered profound trauma," she said, as she warned that "many more remain silent".

"This must change," she said.

Spiking, which involves giving someone else alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or permission, can include slipping drugs into a person's drink or through injections or needles.

All forms of spiking are illegal and can carry a maximum sentence of 10 years imprisonment.

In Durham city centre, Durham Police is working with Durham County Council, Durham University, the City of Durham Parish Council, and venues as part of the area's Pubwatch scheme to help reduce incidents of spiking.

The Durham City Safety Hub, based at St Nicholas Church, also supports the public on nights out in the city centre.

Specialist officers are deployed in the night-time economy to identify individuals who may be displaying predatory behaviour, such as harassment, loitering without reason and stalking behaviour, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

Allen, who met up with fellow Labour-elected Northumbria PCC Susan Dungworth and Cleveland PCC Matt Storey to discuss the issue, added "Spiking is a vile act and must be treated with gravity.

"Together, we will seek out the best approaches, investigative tools and technology to reassure victims they will be believed, they will be treated sensitively and importantly, justice will be served."

Dungworth said: "People will spot ads on digital screens in bars and pubs and posts across social media designed to bust myths, highlight operational activity and encourage reporting.

"We all know spiking is a crime often linked to sexual offending and it disproportionately affects women and girls - so work to prevent it and support victims is a key priority for us three PCCs in the North East."

Police are urging anyone with information or concerns about someone's behaviour to get in touch with the force, or via the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously.

PCCs are elected officials and are intended to act as a link between local police forces and the communities they serve. They are also in charge of setting their police force's budget and appointing the chief constable.

The role will be scrapped in England and Wales in 2028, which the government said would save £100m over this parliament's term, with powers moving to an elected mayor or to council leaders.

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