Sussex Police have been working alongside nightclub owners in an effort to keep customers safe in their venues.
Reports of drinks tampering and needle sticking have increased since the beginning of October, prompting police to increase patrols and step up investigations.
Three arrests have so far been made and venues have pledged to step up security and make door searches more thorough, with extra staff training, lids for cups, testing strips, on-site medics, safe spaces for people in distress and more.
Venues are linked in with the police and other partners through Business Crime Reduction Partnerships (BCRP) across Sussex.
The BCRPs offer guidance and advice, hold briefings with security staff and police before opening times and provide dedicated radios shared between officers and door staff to allow rapid responses to any incidents.
Sussex Police has recently distributed hundreds of educational posters to pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants offering guidance on what to do if you believe you may have been spiked.
Through the hashtag #spikeaware, police forces, venues and community organisations are linked with shared information, advice and best practice, as well as support for victims.
Funding has also recently been awarded to Sussex Police for two branded cars as part of the Home Office’s Safety of Women at Night Fund, to not only act as a deterrent but to offer a clear contact point for people who need them.
Chief Superintendent Justin Burtenshaw said:
“The reaction to these increased reports from us as a force and our partners across the county has been robust and I’ve been really impressed with how proactive licensed venues have been in taking strong measures keep their customers safe and send a clear message to those who want to cause harm that they will be caught.
“Everybody has been troubled by the rise in reports, but we are now starting to see the numbers level off and decline as a result of the measures we and our partners have put in place.
“Investigations are ongoing in order to bring perpetrators to justice and we will continue to make sure the night-time economies in our towns and cities are safe places to enjoy.
“If you believe you have been a victim of spiking or any crime on a night out, report it to bar staff or a police officer as soon as possible. You can also report crimes online through the Sussex Police website, via 101 or by calling 999 in an emergency.”
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