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Officers have been working closely with staff in Southwater, to ensure they know what to do if spiking is suspected, helping to make Telford’s night spots, safe and welcoming places to be.

The exercise is part of the Council's Winter of Action camapign and staff have been given resources to help spot signs of spiking, details of how to respond quickly as well as raising public awareness about what to look out for and where to get help.

Councillor Richard Overton, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Highways, Housing and Enforcement said: "Everyone deserves to enjoy a safe night out and to support this, our enforcement teams are working with popular venues to make sure staff know exactly what to do if spiking is suspected.

“We’re asking residents to stay vigilant, look out for friends, and report anything suspicious and keep Telford’s nightlife safe and welcoming for all."

Spiking means adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink or body without their consent. It can happen through drinks, injections, vapes, food, or other methods. Spiking is a criminal offence and can lead to up to 10 years in prison.

How to reduce the risk of being spiked

While it’s never an individual’s fault if they are spiked, there are steps you can take to help protect yourself and others:

• Stick with your friends and look out for each other.
• Never leave your drink unattended, whether it’s alcoholic or not.
• Be cautious if you are bought or given a drink – only accept drinks from people you know and trust.
• Be wary if people are reaching over your drinks.
• Alert staff immediately if you see anyone acting suspiciously around your or someone else’s drink.
• If you or a friend feel, unwell, seek help from staff or call an ambulance immediately.

If you think you’ve been spiked

• Tell a friend, venue staff, or security immediately.
• Report it to the police as soon as possible – early reporting helps evidence collection. You can report online at Report Spiking | West Mercia Police.
• Remember: It’s never your fault.

Signs of spiking can include

• Sudden confusion or feeling unwell
• Vomiting
• Loss of balance or coordination
• Blurred vision
• Difficulty speaking
• Blackouts or memory loss

Venues across Telford can also sign up for specialist training and accreditation through the Licensing Security and Vulnerability Initiative (LSAVI) by offering drink protection measures.

Councillor Richard Overton added: “Don’t let the fact that you might have knowingly taken illegal drugs stop you from reporting. It is not an offence to have illegal drugs in your system, and police officers will prioritise your safety.”

There is no time limit on reporting spiking; whether it just happened or happened a while ago, you can tell West Mercia Police about it.

Backed by the Home Office, the Winter of Action aims to deliver a zero-tolerance approach to nuisance drinking, anti-social behaviour, and disorder, while also providing compassionate support for those who need it most. 

From anti-spiking exercises in bars to alcohol test purchases and increased high-visibility Police patrols, Council teams will be working in close partnership with West Mercia Police and a host of agencies across the Borough.

What’s happening?

• Increased police presence: High-visibility officers in town centres and transport hubs to deter crime and antisocial behaviour.
• Safety in Night-Time Venues: Anti-spiking measures, alcohol test purchases, and support for safe exit routes.
• Environmental Improvements: Lighting maintenance for safe spaces, rapid response to graffiti and fly-tipping.
• Tackling Retail Crime & ASB: Partnership working that includes licensing checks, issuing of notices and fines.

Visit the website https://www.westmercia.police.uk/ro/report/report-spiking/v2/report-spiking/ to report an incident.