ANTI 'SPIKING' WEEK

The 16th to the 22nd September is 'anti-spiking week'. We at JAKK Security will be supporting police to raise awareness and help prevent spiking.

Spiking is giving someone drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or consent. This could be in their drink, their vape, or injected by a needle. Spiking is a crime. It makes it easier to commit other crimes against the victim.

As an SIA licence employer, JAKK will pro actively play a vital role in protecting the public. 80% of reported spiking incidents happen in public places, mainly in pubs and nightclubs.

 

The training we provide our staff includes ways to identify and respond to signs of vulnerability, for example:

• offering help to anyone who looks lost or isolated
• intervening if someone appears to be receiving unwanted attention
• The signs of being spiked

  It can be difficult to tell if your drink has been spiked but if you notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, stop drinking it. If you’re in a bar or club tell staff or security immediately.

  If you think you or a friend have been spiked, there are a range of things to look out for, including:

  • confusion
  • nausea or vomiting
  • hallucinations and paranoia
  • disorientation or poor coordination
  • loss of ability to communicate properly
  • unconsciousness

  It can be difficult to spot the symptoms as they vary depending on what you have been spiked with and can be similar to having excess alcohol. If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away.

  What will happen if you report to the police

  Once reported to to the police and if spiking is suspected, officers may take a non-invasive urine sample.

  Some drugs leave the body in less than 12 hours, so it is important to report and test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer so testing can take place up to seven days after the incident.

  The test results will come back in three weeks and the police will keep you updated on progress.

  It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting. It can be scary to report, but our JAKK security team and the police are here to help you.

  It will also determine whether any additional crimes have occurred and support you.

  If you are tested by your GP or in a hospital you will also need to have a police test. This is so the results can be used as evidence. 

  How to reduce the risk of spiking

  Everyone should feel safe to enjoy themselves without worrying about being spiked. However, there are steps you can take to help reduce the risk of spiking, whilst keeping yourself and others safe.

  • Watch out for your friends and look after each other.
  • Never leave your drink unattended.
  • Be cautious if you are bought or given a drink – consider only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
  • Be wary if people are reaching over your drinks.
  • Alert staff immediately if you see anyone acting suspiciously around your or someone else's drink.
  • If you or a friend feel unwell, seek help from staff or call an ambulance immediately.

So to sum up all the above, a final rundown is listed below - stay safe on your night out folks!!

 

What is spiking?

Spiking is a crime. The law states that:

• it is a crime to maliciously administer, cause to administer or cause to be taken by any other person any poison or destructive or noxious thing, such as to endanger their life, cause them grievous bodily harm, or intentionally injure, aggrieve, or annoy them

Examples of spiking include:

• putting alcohol into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission
• putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission
• injecting someone with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission
• putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s food without their knowledge or permission
• putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission