Archive Council News

This page is a news release published by Wrexham County Borough Council.
Content Author: pressoffice@wrexham.gov.uk

01.12.05

Prickly Customer in Town This Weekend

Wrexham's pubbers and clubbers are in for a surprise this weekend when the sinister "Spike" hedgehog returns to raise awareness of the dangers associated with drink tampering.

Launched last year, "Spike" is a stark reminder that unattended drinks can easily have drugs put into them. People put drugs in drinks for three main reasons, just for a laugh, to rob them or to sexually assault or rape them.

The Spike Crew will be in town on Friday and Saturday evenings wearing spike T-Shirts. Spike Tags will be left on unattended drinks and drinkers warned of the dangers they are exposing themselves to.

Andy Lewis, Wrexham's Chief Housing and Public Protection Officer, said:

"Fortunately, there are few reported cases in Wrexham but that shouldn't make us complacent. Alcohol makes us relax and there is a danger that we may not be paying enough attention to the fact that someone could have "spiked" our drink. There is simple but effective advice to follow and by putting the spike tags on unattended glasses, drinkers will hopefully think twice in the future."

If your drink has been spiked you may feel sick, suddenly very tired or drunk and you will probably wake up remembering nothing about the events of the previous evening. If you think your drink has been spiked contact the police immediately. Further advice can be obtained from the Roofie Foundation on 0800 783 2980 or from their website at www.roofie.com

There are several things you can do to avoid having your drink spiked:

  • Let someone know where you're going and what time you expect to get home
  • Avoid going out for the evening alone
  • Remember that alcohol affects your reactions; you'll be less alert
  • Never accept a drink from someone you don't know
  • Never leave your drink unattended
  • Think very carefully before going off with someone you've just met
  • Plan your night out including your journey there and back
  • Appoint a drink watcher if you go to the toilet or off for a dance. Many clubs will now allow you to take your drink with you onto the dance floor to look after it
  • Don't feel that soft drinks aren't spiked…. They are!
  • Males as well as females can have their drinks spiked
  • If your drink has been moved, looks topped up or tastes funny… then don't trust it. Get another one!

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