THE Thames Valley had the seventh highest level of drink spiking in the UK in 2020, according to new figures.
The study, from Get Licensed, looked into the number of spiking incidents in 2020 using Freedom of Information requests to police forces to reveal the areas worst affected by drink spiking in the UK.
To spike a drink means to put alcohol or drugs into someone's drink without their knowledge or permission
Thames Valley, which covers Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire, ranked seventh recording 42 spikings in 2020.
READ MORE: Reading woman spiked at popular nightclub
This comes after a number of spiking attacks via injection were reported in Reading towards the end of 2021.
Hampshire came out on top with 161 reports, whereas Scotland came tenth with 36 reports.
Shahzad Ali, CEO at Get Licensed, commented on how to stay safe on a night out: “While the rise in drink spiking is worrying, many of us still want to be able to go out and enjoy what our local nightlife has to offer.
“You should never leave your drink unattended, and to be on the safe side, always try and keep your drink covered with your hand, especially when in crowds.
“Avoid accepting drinks from strangers unless it has gone straight from the bartender's hand to yours, even just a sip to try someone elses drink can be risky.
READ MORE: University warns students about consequences of spiking
“Also make sure to keep an eye out for any changes in your drink in terms of look, tastes or smells.
“If you think you or someone else may have been spiked immediately inform the bar manager, bouncer or a member of staff.
“Make sure the person who has been spiked is never left alone and call an ambulance if their condition deteriorates at all.
“For people in London, a new safety initiative ‘Ask For Angela’ is being rolled out to bars, clubs and other licensed businesses.
“If you feel unsafe, vulnerable or threatened you can discreetly seek help by asking a member of staff for ‘Angela”.
In November 2021, a Reading woman posted a shocking photo on social media of an injury she suffered as a result of an apparent spiking attack in a popular nightclub.
Juliet McGeough shared an image on Facebook of what appeared to be a ‘puncture’ mark commonly associated with spiking via injection.
READ MORE: Drink spiking reports addressed by Uni of Reading
The photo shows a large red patch on her back with a wound in the middle of the mark.
Posting online, Juliet said: “Last night I went to Revolution in Reading and was spiked through my back.
“Just thought I’d make people aware that this is going on in Reading.
Juleiet McGeough's injury. Image via Facebook
“Police are aware and know it’s an issue, so scary this is even a thing.”
Reports of spiking via injections became increasingly common towards the end of 2021.
In October, Uni of Reading bosses warned spikers they could be thrown out if they are caught drugging students in clubs.
This came after the university was made aware of several reports of spiking and reports that students have received puncture wounds as a result.
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