Aberystwyth students stage protest to call for action against spiking

Last night saw almost 100 people gathered in Aberystwyth Town Centre to protest for action after a rise in reports of spiking across universities.

The protest, organised by Aberystwyth University Young Liberal’s Society, saw crowds of students and others gather in front of the pier at 9pm before marching along the prom and through the town.

Ceredigion Ms and MP Elin Jones and Ben Lake, as well as regional MS Jane Dodds, sent their support. Jane Dodds has called for government funding to provide free drink testing strips in nightclubs.

Welsh Young Liberals are collecting names for a petition against spiking, which can be signed here.

Protest organisers Joe Thomas and Poppy Faiers said that the turnout for the protest was “even better than expected”.

“We want to thank everyone who came along to express solidarity with us over this very serious issue,” they said.

“Since the start of the AberNightIn campaign just less than a week ago, we’ve seen: enhanced security measures at many Aber venues, including the Angel and Pier; the launch of an anonymous spiking report service as well as extra night patrols by Aber Student Union; student societies providing more support for those that have been spiked or sexually assaulted; and our three Asks being taken up by Jane Dodds and the Welsh Liberal Democrats.”

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‘Serious’

Police said earlier this week that they were also investigating a number of reports of spiking in Swansea.

A spokeswoman for South Wales Police said: “Police are aware of public concern around reports of spiking in towns and cities around the UK. Spiking is when alcohol or drugs are put into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission. There is also some concern at the possibility that people are being ‘spiked’ by needles or syringes containing drugs.

“We have received a small number of reports from people who believe this might have happened to them and these are currently under investigation. Our officers are working with licensed premises to alert them to spiking methods and asking them to be extra vigilant at this time.

“We take all reports seriously and encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of spiking in any form to contact us.

“South Wales Police has an excellent history of partnership working and we provide training to staff at city centre licensed premises to help them identify and safeguard vulnerable people and we regularly see examples of where this training has paid off.”

The event in Aberystwyth was attended by Aberaeron County Councillor Liz Evans who gave a speech highlighting the work that could be done on a local level to tackle spiking and calling on protestors to keep pushing the council into action.

“Last night saw an amazing turnout for an extremely serious issue,” the Lib Dem councillor said.

“The campaign is growing in momentum thanks to all these young people and will continue to resonate across the university, the town, and in every part of our community, now and in the years ahead.”