POLICE Scotland is now investigating a "number of reports" across the country of spiking by injection and also incidents where people have been spiked without a needle.
Although it is not known exactly what number of incidents police are dealing with, last week the force said last week they were investigating just a “small number of reports” of spiking by injection in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Dundee and Aberdeen, but now that appears to have changed.
In an update of the situation on Thursday by Police Scotland, it suggests that there has been an increase in reports of this nature.
Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Police Scotland, said: "We continue to investigate a number of reports across the country from people who report having been “spiked” either with a needle or in their drink.
"We are also aware of posts referring to spiking incidents circulating on social media.
"Our enquiries are ongoing and at this time we do not believe that these reports are linked.
Assistant Chief Constable Heaton addded October and November sees a small but notable increase in spiking incidents every year, but they are taking every report "extremely seriously".
"Women, and men, should be able to go out for a night out without fear of being spiked. We are working with a range of partners, locally and nationally to ensure pubs and clubs are safe spaces for all," she added. "This includes working with licensees.
"Each year we receive a small number of reports of what can be termed spiking, with a small but notable increase in October and November.
"We are not always able to determine the reasons why a perpetrator carries out an assault in this way, and it may not always be for a sexual purpose. It can put people at significant risk of harm. We will take every report extremely seriously and investigate robustly.
"Anyone who reports having their drink spiked or has been assaulted by whatever means, will be taken seriously. We would encourage anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked or been assaulted in this way to contact Police Scotland on 101 or in an emergency 999."
Boycotts of nightclubs have been planned by those saying women are being targeted and protests are also taken place.
The night-time industry is asking for help from the Home Office and are taking measures to tackle the issue.
Room 2 in Glasgow have said they are doing all the can to protect customers including collecting glasses frequently and disposing of any unattended drinks.
They are also carrying out searches.
Room 2 statement on #spiking pic.twitter.com/fx9ipqiB1N
— Room 2 Glasgow (@room2glasgow) October 28, 2021
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