THE region’s police and crime commissioner has vowed not to be ‘complacent’ around spiking as he invests in the roll out of drink testing kits in South Worcestershire.
Pubs and bars in South Worcestershire will receive drink spike testing kits – through funding from the region’s police and crime commissioner – to help safeguard customers.
Distribution of the devices, which include covert tampon kits with domestic abuse advice, will be given to alcohol licence holders and provided to women and girls on nights out.
The PCC John Campion’s investment into drink spike testing kits follows news of cases increasing nationally over the past five years, with 20,000 reports to police forces across England and Wales.
Although West Mercia has seen a decrease in reports of the crime, with six cases in October 2023 compared to 63 in November 2021, and only 99 cases reporter in South Worcestershire over the past two years.
John Campion said: “The increase in reports of drink-spiking on a national level are concerning and I am determined to drive this behaviour out of our society.
“While cases in West Mercia are falling, my investment shows I will not be complacent with one case being simply one too many.
“Offenders do not consider the long and lasting impact drink spiking has on victims and the further crimes committed when an individual is in such a vulnerable position.
“I am committed to preventing crime and ensuring everyone is safe and feels safe in their communities, as I remain unrelenting in my drive to deliver my Safer West Mercia Plan.”
