REVELLERS heading over the border for a night out in Carlisle can be reassured that extra measures are planned to prevent drink spiking.
From this weekend, Cumbria Police will be giving out free anti-spiking kits in the city centre to keep nights out as safe as possible.
The kits consist of drink protectors – a cover to place over drinks and which a straw can fit through – and testing strips.
These will be distributed by staff from the police, Cumberland Council Safer Streets Officers and volunteers from the University of Cumbria at the Safer Streets Welfare Hub at Court Square.
In addition, police patrols are increasing, by officers trained to spot potential offenders targeting vulnerable people coming out of pubs and clubs and at taxi ranks and take-aways .
DI Mike Taylor is the dedicated operational detective inspector overseeing work on the issue of Violence Against Women and Girls.
He said: “Cumbria is a safe place – and we have a much lower number of these types of spiking offences than many other places. But we do receive reports here.
“Most cases of spiking don’t lead to sexual assault or theft.
“But spiking can cause severe distress, emotional harm and anxiety. It can take a long time to recover from someone spiking you.
“Victims can be male as well as female – but women are predominantly more likely to be targeted.”
