"More needs to be done" as Dorset drink spiking reports reach record high

Figures obtained in a Freedom of Information request showed drink spiking reports have rocketed by 274% since 2017. Last year there were 101 reported incidents of drinking spiking incidents - up from the 27 reports in 2017.

Just six of the 294 total incidents recorded since 2017 resulted in a caution whilst a further five people were charged. Meanwhile, 71 investigations were completed without a suspect being identified.

Dorset Police said four offenders were given a summons to appear in court and two incidents dealt with by 'community resolution'.

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Drink spiking sees drugs being secretly put into someone's drink to affect their behaviour. In some cases, 'date rape' drugs may be used to spike a drink before an assault.

Victims of suspect spiking in Dorset are saying more needs to be done in the wake of a report from the Home Affairs Select Committee which said a belief that police forces “won’t do anything” contributes to the reluctance of victims to come forward.

The number of spiking reports in Dorset has nearly quadrupled since 2017 (Image: NQ)

Lauren, 19, believes she was spiked in November and said: “For me the awful thing is that I and so many other young women now just think (spiking) is normal and part of the risk of going out. It’s not normal and more needs to be done. After I was spiked I was so reluctant to go out again because it’s so hard to enjoy a night out when you’re constantly worried about what might happen.”

Grace, 19, suspects she was spiked on a night out earlier this year and she says the experience has made her more wary when she goes out: “I feel like I’m expecting everyone to have it out for me: even if they are simply trying to get past me in the club. Obviously you can protect your drinks and look out for your friends but more needs to be done to tackle the mindset that this only happens to people who have too much to drink.”

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Dorset’s Police and Crime Commissioner said he “shared concerns” raised by the report and vowed to work ‘both nationally and locally on this issue’ to provide the right support to victims. David Sidwick told the Echo he was considering the introduction of safety ratings for licensed premises - similar to restaurant hygiene ratings - in order to make the issue more visible.

He said: “We have to be careful when interpreting statistics: in some ways, I see the increase in reporting as a positive – because it means people feel they can report an incident like spiking to the police and more importantly that something will be done about it.

David Sidwick says nightime venues have a 'responsibility' to ensure safety

“We are looking at a range of measures including some sort of safety rating that venues have to display so that they can be accountable. Venues know full well that if they do not provide a safe environment for people then we will not hesitate to take their licence away.

"It is a horrific crime, it’s often an invisible crime, but we are determined to take action.”

As part of efforts to tackle drink spiking, the PCC funded the purchase of over 1,000 drink spiking test kits as well as almost 14,000 ‘stop-tops’.

Dorset Police urged anyone who suspected their drink had been spiked to report it.

A spokesperson said: “Dorset Police takes all reports of spiking very seriously and we have been working closely with night-time economy venues and local authorities to ensure the safety of all on a night out is of paramount importance.

“Some drugs used in drink spiking incidents remain in the blood and urine for a short period of time only and reports to police are often made after the window of opportunity for forensic recovery has passed.

“If you have been the victim of a sexual offence and you want to report directly to the police, please call 101 and ask to be put in contact with a specially-trained police officer. Always dial 999 in an emergency.”