Police Scotland statement regarding spiking by injection

Assistant Chief Constable Judi Heaton, Police Scotland, said:

"We continue to investigate a number of reports across the country from people who report having been “spiked” either with a needle or in their drink.

"We are also aware of posts referring to spiking incidents circulating on social media.

"Our enquiries are ongoing and at this time we do not believe that these reports are linked.

"Each year we receive a small number of reports of what can be termed spiking, with a small but notable increase in October and November.

"We are not always able to determine the reasons why a perpetrator carries out an assault in this way, and it may not always be for a sexual purpose. It can put people at significant risk of harm. We will take every report extremely seriously and investigate robustly.

"Women, and men, should be able to go out for a night out without fear of being spiked. We are working with a range of partners, locally and nationally to ensure pubs and clubs are safe spaces for all. This includes working with licensees.

"Anyone who reports having their drink spiked or has been assaulted by whatever means, will be taken seriously. We would encourage anyone who believes they have had their drink spiked or been assaulted in this way to contact Police Scotland on 101 or in an emergency 999."