Drink spiking will not be tolerated in Gloucester.
That is the pledge civic leaders made last night as they backed calls to ensure a zero-tolerance approach to crime in the city.
Drink spiking is when someone puts drugs or alcohol into someone’s drink without them knowing.
The drugs used are mind-altering substances that affect how people behave and can come in powder or liquid form and may not have an unusual taste or smell.
Criminals might spike a drink to sexually assault, rape or physically assault someone, to steal or for amusement.
In Gloucestershire, there have been more than 100 cases reported in since last July.
Gloucester City Councillor Jaro Kubaszczyk (Con, Kingsway) presented a motion to Gloucester City Council to do more to tackle this problem.
He said the issue is causing anxiety among young adults, parents and all users of nightclubs.
“Drink spiking is a growing problem across the nation and in Gloucestershire we have seen a recent increase in suspected drink spiking.
“So far to date, Gloucester has had zero confirmed cases thanks to the positive work we have done within the city night time economy.
“We must not underestimate this and do more. I want this council to learn from this issue and work collaboratively to create a code of conduct around drink spiking, implement measures to mitigate drink spiking and provide appropriate support training for staff to respond to a spiking incident.”
Councillor Declan Wilson (Lib Dem, Hucclecote) said he was shocked when he was made aware how big a problem drink spiking is.
He said many young women know at least one person who has been spiked.
“We do have a serious issue here and this is something we do need to take urgent action on.”
Councillor Tree Chambers-Dubus (Lab, Moreland) said drink spiking was abhorrent.
“It’s every parent’s nightmare,” she said.
“We need to have a zero-tolerance approach now. It shocks me that it’s 2021 and this is where we are.”
The council unanimously supported the motion.
