Humberside Police equipped with new spiking test kits
New testing kits designed to detect harmful substances from suspected spiking cases have been delivered forcewide throughout Humberside Police.
The new testing kits come after reports of spiking have increased, either from suspected injections or from having something put into a drink.
Humberside Police have stated that “everyone should have the right to enjoy the excellent entertainment in our vibrant towns and cities without fear of crime.”
the kits are designed to detect up to 20 drugs commonly associated with spiking or suspected spiking cases.
The kits will be used by the police between four and 24 hours after the suspected spiking occurred.
A urine sample will be taken and will quickly identify the drug(s) which may have been used.
Assistant Chief Constable Darren Downs has applauded the move, saying:
“These new kits are the latest items at our disposal to combat spiking. They have proven very successful and we hope their availability will reassure the public that they can spend time in our region’s venues in safety.
“The kits pick up a range of drugs associated with spiking, as well as drugs that people may have taken recreationally.
“The results from these kits will only be used for intelligence purposes. We are not using them to take action against people who may have taken recreational drugs, as we work with our partners to offer them the help they need.”
The police are also committed to stopping spiking at its source, through working with venues across the area as well as providing spike testing kits, glass covers and bottle stoppers.
Staff at venues are also being educated on spotting the signs someone has been spiked and what to do to help them if they have, or fear they have.
Police are also urging people to take precautions when out, such as protecting their drinks with covers or bottle stoppers, looking out for their friends and noticing any strange behaviour and reporting any incidents to the police as soon as possible.
Bars across the region are also part of the ‘Ask for Angela’ scheme, whereby if you are concerned about someone’s behaviour, you can approach staff and say “ask for Angela” and be taken to a safe area.
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