Last month West Mercia supported Anti-Spiking Intensification Week (Monday 18 March – Sunday 24 March), where officers visited over 157 pubs and clubs across Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.

The visits were carried out in line with licensing legislation, with officers and staff providing advice and guidance around spiking and anti-spiking. Items such as bottle stops and glass protectors were handed out at key sites.

Officers from West Mercia's Problem Solving Hubs and Safer Neighbourhood Teams teamed up with Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) to encourage more licensed premises to join more than 100 others who have already signed up.

LSAVI is the first ever National Policing Award for safety and security, and it is a major part of the force's prevention strategy to tackle all types of crime, with a focus on preventing violence against women and girls.

Behavioural Detection Officers were also present during the week and carried out a number of uniform and plain clothes patrols during the night time economy, seeking to disrupt any individuals intent on committing offences.

Two men, aged 30 and 22, were arrested in Evesham on suspicion of drink spiking and sexual assault. Both have been bailed while further enquiries are carried out.

Inspector Mike Philips, said: “Officers spent the week visiting licensed premises, speaking to business partners and members of the public.

“Key partners were encouraged to work with officers to educate staff working in night time economy settings, such as clubs, as well as members of the public on the signs and symptoms of spiking, and how they can help someone who may find themselves in that situation.

"All the work that was carried out last week complements the work we already do all year round; licensing officers continually work with licensee’s to ensure our night time economy is safe for everyone to enjoy, and we have recently introduced behaviour detection trained officers to patrol and target predatory behaviour of those looking to exploit people enjoying a night out.”

If you believe you may be a victim of spiking report it to police straightaway to give the best chances of capturing evidential opportunities. If a crime is in progress call 999, otherwise we would advise calling 101 or reporting online.

A new online reporting service has also been launched, which offers a fast-time route to report spiking and prompts specific questions to capture evidence for spiking cases.