London's drink spiking problem explained - The Standard podcast

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Campaigners are calling for urgent action to tackle drink spiking , as figures show that more than 100 cases are happening in London’s bars and nightclubs every month .

Data from the National Police Chiefs ’ Council suggests the average age of victims was 26, with women targeted in the large majority of cases.

Westminster had the highest number of cases in the capital.

2023 saw a 13% surge in offences, and the Government is now set to introduce a new law to make spiking a specific criminal offence in Wednesday’s King’s Speech.

As it stands spiking is already a crime, covered by other pieces of legislation, but Labour ’s manifesto, alongside the Conservatives ', said creating a new, specific offence would help police better respond to incidents.

Recently, the Standard’s Crime Correspondent Anthony France joined undercover behavioural detection officers looking for offenders hiding among revellers.

In this episode, Anthony discusses what kind of drugs people have been spiked with, and reveals the Met Police ’s plans to tackle the drink spiking issue.

Plus, in part two of this episode, our acting Culture Editor Nick Clark reveals the top theatre shows to see in London this summer.

Listen above, find us on Apple, Spotify or wherever you stream your podcasts .

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