Stay safe this festive season, spot and stop spiking
As the festive season approaches, Telford & Wrekin Council’s enforcement teams have taken proactive steps to ensure the safety of revellers, launching a campaign to combat drink and needle spiking across the borough.
Council officers have been working closely with staff in popular nightlife areas, particularly Southwater, providing crucial information and materials to ensure venues know exactly what to do if spiking is suspected.
This initiative is part of the Council's broader "Winter of Action" campaign, designed to make Telford’s night spots safe and welcoming for all. Venue staff have been equipped with resources to help them spot the signs of spiking, respond quickly, and raise public awareness about vigilance and where to get help.
Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement, stressed the importance of the exercise. "Everyone deserves to enjoy a safe night out and to support this, our enforcement teams are working with popular venues to make sure staff know exactly what to do if spiking is suspected," he stated. "We’re asking residents to stay vigilant, look out for friends, and report anything suspicious and keep Telford’s nightlife safe and welcoming for all."
Understanding the Offence and Taking Precautions
Spiking is defined as adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink or body without their consent. It is a severe criminal offence that can be carried out through various means, including drinks, injections, vapes, or food, and can lead to a prison sentence of up to ten years.
While it is never the victim's fault, the Council advises residents to take steps to reduce the risk. These include sticking with friends, never leaving a drink unattended (whether alcoholic or not), and being cautious about accepting drinks from people you do not know and trust. The public is urged to be wary if anyone is reaching over their drinks and to alert staff immediately if they see suspicious behaviour. If a person feels unwell, they should seek help from staff or call an ambulance immediately.
Identifying and Reporting Spiking
The signs of spiking can manifest as a sudden feeling of confusion or sickness, vomiting, loss of balance or coordination, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, blackouts, or memory loss.
If an individual suspects they or a friend have been spiked, the advice is to tell a friend, venue staff, or security immediately, and to report the incident to the police as soon as possible, as early reporting is vital for evidence collection. Reports can be made online via the West Mercia Police website.
Councillor Overton added a reassurance for those who may hesitate to report: “Don’t let the fact that you might have knowingly taken illegal drugs stop you from reporting. It is not an offence to have illegal drugs in your system, and police officers will prioritise your safety.” There is no time limit on reporting spiking to West Mercia Police.
In addition to the Council's campaign, venues across Telford are encouraged to sign up for specialist training and accreditation through the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI), which includes offering drink protection measures.
Winter of Action: A Borough-Wide Partnership
The Council’s "Winter of Action," which is backed by the Home Office, aims to enforce a zero-tolerance approach to nuisance drinking, anti-social behaviour, and disorder, while simultaneously offering compassionate support to those in need.
Council teams are working in close partnership with West Mercia Police and other agencies across the borough. Key actions include:
Increased Police Presence: High-visibility police patrols are being deployed in town centres and transport hubs to deter crime and antisocial behaviour.
Safety in Night-Time Venues: Measures include anti-spiking exercises, alcohol test purchases, and ensuring safe exit routes for patrons.
Environmental Improvements: Rapid response teams are addressing graffiti and fly-tipping, alongside lighting maintenance to ensure public spaces remain safe.
Tackling Retail Crime & ASB: Partnership working involves licensing checks and the issuing of notices and fines to address anti-social behaviour.
This comprehensive approach underscores the commitment of Telford & Wrekin Council to delivering a safe and enjoyable festive period for all residents.
