| 2006-12-18 |
Watch Your Drinks. |
CAMBRIDGESHIRE police are warning drinkers in pubs and clubs across Peterborough about the dangers of drink-spiking.
As part of Operation Sodium ? the Christmas crackdown on alcohol-related crime ? they are urging party-goers to watch over drinks and keep an eye on friends when out enjoying themselves over Christmas and New Year.
Chief superintendent Paul Phillipson, who is leading the campaign, said: "Although reported incidents of drink-spiking in Cambridgeshire are low, I would urge people to watch their drinks when they are out enjoying themselves.
"Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know or trust. Never drink a drink you have left unattend-ed ? if you are in a group, appoint a drink-watcher.
"Make sure you keep an eye on soft drinks, too ? it's not just alcohol that gets spiked.
"When you're out with a group of friends, look after each other. Don't leave each other alone. If a friend seems very drunk or feels unwell or disorientated take them somewhere safe and seek medical advice. If you believe an offence may have been committed, contact the police.
"Drinks can be spiked with any substance ? such as even more alcohol. Some of the more well
publicised 'date rape' drugs such as Rohypnol and GHB can leave the victim with no memory of what happened in the hours before they wake up.
"This makes it difficult for them to establish what happened.
"Other substances cause victims to remain conscious, but act in a manner they would never do without being drugged. Victims may feel embarrassed or ashamed of what they appear to have taken part in, which makes them reluctant to report the incident.
"If this happens to you, I would urge you to contact police. Do not feel embarrassed, or that you won't be taken seriously. Specialist officers and services are available to provide advice and investigate potential offences.
"This type of crime doesn't just happen to women, men can be victims too, so I would urge everyone to be vigilant while enjoying the festive season."
For more advice on personal safety, visit the force website http://www.cambs.police.uk or call the Community Safety Department, on 0845 456 4564. |
|
|
