Protests organised over increase in reports of drink spiking

A protest is to be held in Aberystwyth next Tuesday to demonstrate against the recent rise in cases of drink spiking.

The protest, organised by Aberystwyth University Liberals Society, comes after a significant increase in the reporting of cases of spiking, particularly of ‘injection spiking’ where a victim is injected with drugs against their will.

Dyfed Powys Police confirmed they are investigating a suspected case of injection spiking in Aberystwyth last week.

Protection

Protest organiser Joe Thomas stated that the rise in cases has made many people, especially young women, scared and legislation is needed to provide better protection.

South Wales Police has also confirmed it has been contacted about a “small number” of alleged spiking cases involving needles and both forces say they have contacted pubs and clubs to alert them about the reports.

Last week the National Police Chiefs’ Council (NPCC) said there had been hundreds of reports of drink spiking and spiking by needle across the UK in the past couple of months.

Dyfed-Powys Police’s Insp Matthew Howells said it was investigating an assault reported in Aberystwyth on Wednesday evening, but said, “On this occasion it is believed that no liquid has been injected into the victim.”

Insp Howells also told BBC Wales the force was aware of posts about spiking by needle that had appeared on social media.

“We are also working with the university to identify other persons referred to in social media posts so that our investigations can use every opportunity to gather evidence to identify suspects,” he added.

Protesters in Aberystwyth are assembling outside the pier at 9pm on 26 October and will call for the introduction of measures including free testing strips in bars and nightclubs; access to lids for drinks in venues; more rigorous security checks; and tougher sentences for those who are found guilty of spiking.

Protesters have also organised a boycott of some clubs in Cardiff on 29 October.