Although there have been no reports of 'needle spiking' in Derbyshire, advice has been issued on how people can recognise the symptoms of drink spiking and act quickly.
There have been multiple reports across the country of 'needle spiking' — which involves an injection being administered to someone without their knowledge or consent, usually in a nightclub or bar setting — as opposed to the more commonly known method of contaminating alcoholic drinks.
Zara Owen, a 19-year-old student in Nottingham, said she woke up after clubbing with a “sharp, agonising pain in my leg” and “almost zero recollection” of the night before.
She wrote on social media that she walked with a limp for the remainder of the day, before finding a “pinprick” and realising that she had been “spiked” by a needle that had pierced through her jeans. Thankfully, she added, her friends — who had noticed her behaving strangely — helped her to return safely home.
Derbyshire's Police and Crime Commissioner Angelique Foster said she asked for a report from Derbyshire Constabulary about the issue of 'needle spiking' in the county in view of the concerns expressed nationally.
She said the force has so far received no reports of any incidents but the situation will continue to be reviewed.
The PCC also shared the following advice for people to recognise the symptoms of drink spiking.
Drinks spiked with alcohol or drugs can make a person vulnerable. Always keep an eye on your drink to make it more difficult for someone to spike it and make sure you recognise the symptoms of drink spiking so that you can act quickly to help a victim of this crime.
The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what you’ve been spiked with. Your symptoms could include:
Lowered inhibitions
Loss of balance
Visual problems
Confusion
Nausea
Vomiting
Unconsciousness
How to help a friend who you think has been spiked
If your friend is showing any of the signs described above there are few things you can do to help.
Tell a bar manager, bouncer or member of staff
Stay with them and keep talking to them
Call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates
Don’t let them go home on their own
Don’t let them leave the venue with someone you don’t know or trust
If possible, try and prevent them drinking more alcohol as this could lead to more serious problems.
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