Major drink-spiking crackdown as it will become a specific criminal offence with predators more likely to be jailed
DRINK-spiking is to become a specific criminal offence, with predators more likely to be jailed, PM Sir Keir Starmer will announce today.
The aim is to simplify the current system where spiking comes either under assault, or part of the Offences Against the Person Act.
Workers across the night-time economy will be taught how to prevent incidents, support victims and help cops collect evidence.
This will allow officers to provide a quicker and more effective response for victims.
The training will be rolled out to 10,000 bar staff by the end of the year.
Nearly 7,000 incidents were reported in England and Wales last year but the real figure is understood to be significantly higher.
Sir Keir said: “We know it can be incredibly difficult for victims to come forward to report this awful crime, and these cases can be very hard to prosecute.
“I made a promise that, if elected, I’d make spiking a new criminal offence.
“Today, I am proud to have come good on that pledge.
“Today, I will bring together police chiefs, heads of industry and transport bosses to demand coordinated action to stop women being targeted, whether they are out with friends or simply travelling home.
“Cracking down on spiking is central to that mission.
“We must do more to bring the vile perpetrators who carry out this cowardly act, usually against young women and often to commit a sexual offence, to justice.”
Home Office minister Jess Phillips said: “Spiking is a diabolical act.
“While the risk may be heightened during the festive season, it’s a threat that exists year-round.”
END THREATS
By JESS PHILLIPS, Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls
AS Minister for Safeguarding and Violence Against Women and Girls, one of the threats I’m most concerned about is spiking.
It is a diabolical act, and while the risk may be heightened in the festive season, it’s a threat all year round.
Let there be no doubt — it is a crime whether it is in a bar, club or friend’s house.
The effects can last a lifetime.
For too long, spiking has not been treated with the seriousness it merits. It is time to change that.