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Police action on date rape drugs
Dec 30 2004
ANTI-drug devices will be issued to thousands of New Year revellers in Midland clubs and pubs to protect them against having their drinks spiked.
Police are taking action to combat an increased threat of date rape and other drugs being popped into drinks in crowded bars.
Devices known as 'spikeys' will be offered to revellers in areas including Tamworth, Lichfield, Burntwood, Cannock and Stafford.
Spikeys are small tubes for drinkers to to insert in the neck of a bottle. Then they sip their booze through a straw. "Spikeys will make it more difficult for anyone to put a drug into a drink," said Sgt Jim
Mills, of Staffordshire Police's community safety unit. "It's easy to get caught up in the new year celebrations, but it is important to keep an eye on your drink and be aware of personal safety. "Drink spiking is becoming more prevalent with victims being vulnerable to rape, assault or theft of their belongings."
Date rape-style drugs such as rohypnol, ketamine and GHB can be slipped into drinks, with an increased danger because some of the drugs have no taste or smell. Sgt Mills warned people not to leave a drink unattended or accept drinks from strangers.
