Nightclubs, South Wales Police and Cardiff Uni respond to the recent increase in spiking reports

In Cardiff, there has been a dramatic rise in reports of drink spiking over the past few weeks, with cases of drugs being allegedly administrated by injection as well as in pill or powder form.

Many victims have taken to social media to warn others of their experience and share their symptoms which include vomiting, fatigue, loss of consciousness and disorientation.

The Tab Cardiff reached out to some popular venues, South Wales police, Cardiff University as well as students, for comments on such incidents and the safety measures they are taking to keep students safe.

PRYZM

A spokesperson for PRYZM said: “We take all reports of drink spiking very seriously. Our teams are fully trained on the issue and have the support of our onsite medic, we operate our ‘We Care’ policy and support the ‘Ask Angela’ scheme. We use anti-spiking devices and already operate 100 per cent searches on entry, which also includes ID scanners and metal detector arches.”

The Live Lounge

The Live Lounge recently took to Instagram to reassure everyone of the security measures in place: “We are not alone in Cardiff, as most other venues like us are working alongside Universities and the Police in tackling customer vulnerability, especially at certain times of year such as freshers and Christmas.

“There are systems in place such as the student safety bus, alcohol treatment centre and street pastors to guarantee your safety. As a result of present concerns, we currently carry out extra searches on entry, use airport standard metal detectors, have multiple options for glass/bottle covers, are seeking advice on the most suitable drink test kits.

“We encourage anyone with concerns to speak to us straight away, either by telling a member of security, managers or bar staff. We value your opinion and if you have any ideas, please let us know!”

South Wales Police

South Wales Police (@swpolice) tweeted: “We are aware of public concern around reports of spiking and are working robustly to tackle this criminality.”

Drinks are often spiked using Rohypnol, or ‘the date-rape drug’, but reports of spiking by injection have further increased the fear felt by the women of Cardiff. This method leads to risks of infections such as HIV and cannot be prevented by using drink covers that are being encouraged by venues.

The recent increase in drink spiking across the city has resulted in a boycott of Cardiff’s popular bars and music venues on Friday 29th October, named ‘Girls Night In’. This boycott hoped to demonstrate how unsafe women feel in the clubs of Cardiff and urges venue owners to put measures in place that prevent the risk of spiking by both pill and injection.

If you or someone you know is a suspected victim of drink spiking tell someone who you trust immediately. Alert venue employees and try to stay with people that you know. 

If you or someone you know is a victim of spiking by injection, it is advisable to wash the wound with water before contacting medical officials. You can learn more about drink spiking and what to do if you suspect being spiked here.

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