Call for tighter laws to tackle drinks spiking

POLICE BOSSES WANT BILL TO BE AMENDED TO REMOVE ANY AMBIGUITY

- GURDIP THANDI Local Democracy Reporter

WEST Midlands Police bosses have called on the Government to tighten laws on spiking so perpetrators are punished for their actions.

Police and Crime Commissioner Simon Foster and Victims Advocate Natalie Queiroz MBE warned, under the Crime and Policing Bill in its current bill, offenders may seek to justify their actions as a ‘prank’ to avoid conviction.

They've now written to the Government asking for the provisions in the bill that deal with spiking be amended and remove this risk.

Spiking is a crime which involves giving someone alcohol or drugs without their knowledge or permission through ways such as slipping substances into drinks or injecting them with a needle.