Prime Minister backs promise to tackle spiking through new scheme
A new scheme was rolled out on Monday to tackle spiking in the UK, as Keir Starmer says perpetrators will feel full force of the law.
The new plan comes with training for 10,000 workers in night time venues spread across the country, who will be taught how to support victims, prevent spiking and “collect evidence”, so offenders can be prosecuted.
Hoping to have staff trained by spring next year, bar worker Ellis from the Cow and Creek pub in Oxford said, “I think women are more aware of the issue than men in general, so it would be really good if the training meant all bar staff are on the same level of awareness.”
The aim is to deter criminals from spiking, as Ellis said, “If the offenders know that bar staff are a lot more aware on how to handle it then I think it will reduce the chances of it happening.”
The Prime Minister also announced he will make spiking a specific ‘criminal offence’ of its own, as it currently falls under multiple laws, mainly the Offences Against the Person Act 1861, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Taking measures further, Thames Valley Police officers are being deployed in plain clothing around bars and clubs across their region, hoping to prevent and catch offenders in the act.
Night time industry experts such as Lyle Bignon from the Night Time Industries Association, said, “We welcome this announcement, which demonstrates a clear commitment to ensuring better safety for women and girls in not just our industry but across society.”
He also shared his worries that this initial boost will not be enough, as he said, “We look forward to the initial figure of £250,000 for training but it must be backed by more government investment over the coming months.”