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Newbury MP Laura Farris announces change to ‘spiking’ laws




NEWBURY MP Laura Farris has announced a change in the law to deal with ‘spiking’ offences.

She announced the new package, which will see changes to the law so that the offence is precisely and comprehensively defined, in her capacity as minister for victims and safeguarding.

Laura Farris MP of Newbury
Laura Farris MP of Newbury

Spiking is a crime in which offenders slip drugs into food or drink or even inject people by needle.

It reportedly occurs most frequently in nightclubs, bars, festivals and on student campuses.

More than 5,000 reports have been recorded by the police this year, with women comprising more than 75 per cent of victims.

Mrs Farris said the Home Office will be supporting the changes with research into rapid testing kits, more training for door and bar staff and support for the police to enhance their response.

An online ‘spiking’ reporting tool will be rolled out across all 43 police forces in England and Wales, which will allow anyone to report an incident, anonymously if necessary.

This aims to help build an accurate data picture of where and when it takes place.

Mrs Farris said: “Spiking is an insidious and predatory act, and by amending legislation we will make the offence explicit and capture the modern day nature of the threat.

“The Government will clarify through amendments to the Criminal Justice Bill that, without any doubt, spiking is illegal in all its forms; whether that be via food or drink, vape, or by needle.”

She added: “Taken alongside new measures to improve the way the police respond to incidents, and better equipping venue staff to identify, respond and protect their customers, we are sending a clear message that perpetrators of this crime should expect to be caught and face justice.”



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