Liverpool leaders’ and Merseyside Police response to recent spiking reports

Nationally there have been increased reports of people being spiked, either through their drinks or through injection.

And here on Merseyside, their have been reports of both types of spiking in recent weeks.

As a result, Merseyside Police have set up a designated team to ensure that each report is investigated and people affected are provided with support.

Officers have been working closely with a host of partners across the city, including Liverpool City Council, Public Health, licensees, licensing, the three universities, and Liverpool Institute for Performing Arts to ensure a public health approach to tackle the issue of spiking.

Together they aim to ensure the safety of people in the city centre, empower visitors to the city by helping them access safety advice available and provide help and support to potential victims of this type of crime.

Liverpool is one of the safest cities in the UK, and its vibrant nightlife attracts visitors from all over the country, as well as from the region, who want to enjoy the fantastic facilities on offer, and this is reflected in the Purple Flag status it has been awarded for more than a decade.

Merseyside’s Police Commissioner Emily Spurrell said: “The recent reports of drinking spiking and people being injected with a needle are very worrying and are understandably causing concern.

“I would reassure anyone heading into the city that the police are very alive to this issue and are using proactive measures, including high-visibility patrols, additional officers and Operation Empower, to identify potential perpetrators and disrupt those who would cause harm.

“They have also established a dedicated investigation team, so I would encourage anyone who thinks they have been affected to please report it.

“In partnership with LCR Pride, Stop Hate UK, Nightlife CIC, Liverpool City Council and many others, I have also launched ‘You’re Safe Here’, offering free training for nighttime venues to ensure their staff can identify and respond effectively when someone is vulnerable.

“This scheme will ensure they are equipped to help anyone who suffers abuse, intimidation or any form of unacceptable behaviour while out in the city and provide safe spaces for all.

“I recently secured £270,000 of additional Safer Streets funding to improve women’s safety across our region’s transport network, and this money is now being used to improve CCTV coverage particularly at city centre bus stations, creating new ‘help points’ connected to the CityWatch control room and better links with emergency services.

“Travel centres at each of the bus stations will also become ‘safe spaces’ for anyone who feels vulnerable. I am also supporting efforts to get the night buses running again to ensure people can get home safely at all hours.

“I will continue to monitor reports and stay in touch with the Chief Constable about the number of incidents in Merseyside and the force’s response.”

Liverpool Council’s City Manager Kevin Johnson added: “We welcome the multi-agency approach to tackling spiking, and we will have our licensing team on the ground, engaging with venues, reassuring and working with staff to ensure effective search policies are in place.”