Spiking by injection in Scotland: Police carrying out enquiries following 'small number of reports' of spiking in Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow

Police Scotland has revealed that it is carrying out enquiries into "a small number" of spiking reports in recent weeks across several Scottish cities.

People have been advised to call 101 immediately if they suspect they have been spiked so that evidence can be collected, with the force saying that incident of this nature will “always be taken seriously”.

Anyone who believes they have been spike should also report the incident to the venue where appropriate.

Reports have been circulating around social media of people being ‘spiked by injection’ in nightclubs with women posting pictures of circular marks on their skin after falling ill on a night out.

A Police Scotland spokesperson said: "We are aware of posts circulating on social media about spiking incidents involving injections in Scotland.

"Officers are carrying out enquiries, and a small number of reports from the Edinburgh, Dundee and Glasgow areas are being investigated.

"These do not appear to be linked.

"We take all reports seriously and we would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim of spiking in any form to contact Police via 101.”

They added that they are investigating an incident reported to have occurred on Friday, October 15 at a premises in Aberdeen city centre, however their enquiries are at an early stage.

"We would advise members of the public to report any concerns to venue staff where appropriate, or directly to our officers.

"Incidents of this nature will always be taken seriously and anyone with information should call Police Scotland on 101 immediately so we can secure evidence and begin investigations,” they said.

Reports have been circulating around social media of people being ‘spiked by injection’ in nightclubs with women posting pictures of small puncture-like marks on their skin after falling ill on a night out.

Sandy Brindley from Rape Crisis Scotland said: “Reports of spiking by injection are obviously deeply concerning and are having a very real impact on how safe particularly women are feeling entering bars and clubs.

"We agree with all those calling for venues to do better and ensure that they are taking every possible measure to prevent abusive men from having access to their premises and being able to perpetrate harm, and in responding robustly to reports when this does happen."

Campaign group Girls Night In has called for people across the UK’s cities to boycott clubs on October 28 to demonstrate that women and other people are ‘not comfortable going out so long as nightclubs are enabling spiking.’

A Girls Night In spokesperson said: “Spiking has become an epidemic.

“This not getting ‘black-out drunk’, this is getting drugged and something that can be changed.

"We are asking clubs and bars to increase their entry security. We are asking clubs and bars to provide free drink protection devices (drink divers etc). We are asking clubs and bars to provide a clear and obvious medical centre and a safe way to get home.

“This is not a stay at home message. This is asking our students to protest against the clubs and bars.

"They are not responding to our complaints so we must make them.”

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