This week, the Prime Minister met with police chiefs and hospitality bosses in a bid to coordinate action against spiking and finish the work, begun under the previous Conservative government, to make spiking a specific criminal offence.
Responding to the announcement, Sussex Police & Crime Commissioner Katy Bourne said: “It’s good to hear that the Prime Minister is taking spiking seriously and will implement the work, begun under the previous Conservative Government, to name this dangerous crime as a specific offence.
“Spiking is a calculated and malicious act and can make people extremely vulnerable. Here in Sussex, stamping out spiking is a key part of keeping those in our night-time economy safe.
“Through previous Safer Streets funding, I have been able to provide over 500,000 branded anti-spiking drinks lids, called StopTopps, which have been distributed free to clubs, pubs and night-time economy venues across Sussex. The adhesive lids feature a QR code to direct people to my Safe Space Sussex website for more information about victims’ services available in our county.
“The Prime Minister also announced a training pilot aimed at hospitality staff but we’re already doing this in Sussex, thanks to earlier money awarded to my office under the Conservative Government's Safer Streets Fund. It was also crucial that we tackled the root causes of violence against women and girls so funding was also used to provide education sessions for young people in schools addressing healthy relationships, consent, misogyny and toxic masculinity.
“Our night-time economy is a vital thread in the vibrant fabric of our great county and it must be both welcoming and safe. It is important, therefore, that police forces and venues are provided with the right tools, training and knowledge to achieve this.”
