Spiking across the UK has affected both men and women, with thousands of daily incidents 70%-90% of those incidents are not reported to the police.

Being spiked is a terrible and traumatic crime to experience and can make you endure memory loss and lose control of your actions, body and mind as well as put you in physical and mental danger, with no recollection of what happened. With more venues becoming a target, Cardiff safety has taken measures to protect people from this crime. It is advertised that free anti spiking drink toppers and testing kits are available at venues. However, under further investigation I have found that to be untrue, as bars and venues are not legally obligated to put these specific measurements in place. So why do they not put these precautions in voluntary? When asked a local source said, “we would like to, but most bars and venues cannot afford it because of the high financial cost”. But what is that cost? Does our safety have a price? The answer is no, after research I have discovered that the yearly cost of drink covers and testing kits is £200-£600+ depending on the venue size and costumer demand.

This puts the Cardiff community at a crossroads, with only a quarter of Cardiff nightlife executing the recommended safety procedures this has given spiking the flexibility needed to become a growing and high-profile crime in and outside of the nightlife in the UK. This leaves us with no choice, but one question” how do we protect ourselves from this crime?” Spiking can take place in many different forms for example through food, drink or even switching medications without consent, spiking can lead to many dangerous situations such as sexual assault, abduction or even sex trafficking. The best way to defend yourself independently against this soulless and vile crime is under one simple phrase “attention to detail” pay attention to your surroundings and report or leave at the expense of any suspicious or criminal activity. Although nightclubs and bars are carelessly not legally required to provide drink covers or testing kits, they are however legally obligated to act on suspicious activity when reported. Spiking is most common in nightclubs and bars, despite Cardiff safety working with them to reduce this horrible crime, investing in drink covers is a recommended personal precaution from south Wales police when venturing social events.

Reuseable Drink covers and testing kits can be purchased on amazon for no more than £5 . 

Cardiff has the highest crime rate in Wales, with crimes focusing on violence, sexual assault and anti-social behaviour which are concentrated in the city centre and night-life areas. Communities across Cardiff are concerned for their safety within their own city, as the local nightlife cannot provide the extra protection needed due to high financial cost. Charities such as stomp out spiking, victim support and spike aware UK are taking on the workload by collaborating with local colleges and universities to inform students and teachers of this and how to stay safe against this horrible and deceiving crime, as well as offering support to those that have been affected.

Cardiff is working to improve the safety around spiking, however one drop in a drink can hurt or destroy someone. So, taking control and engaging with these charities as well as investing in personal anti-spiking protection can allow you to be careful and reduce spiking in your local community.

• Hope Leworthy