FEARS of drink spiking and drugging cases rising have led to the cancellation of an event at the University of Cumbria.

Amidst increases in reports of people being spiked, particularly young women, across the UK, calls have been made for nightclubs to introduce searches for people upon entering.

Various universities and bars have put out statements urging people to take extra care when out.

A planned Halloween event, hosted by the University of Cumbria's Education Society has been cancelled due to concerns of raising cases of spiking against young women.

Education Society at University of Cumbria made the decision to cancel an upcoming Halloween event due to concerns of drink spiking.

The event was intended to take place on October 30 but the society wrote on social media informing members that the event was cancelled.

Emma Bales, Director of Student Services, University of Cumbria said: “Student health, safety and wellbeing is a university’s priority with concerns taken seriously.

"We work with the Students’ Union and external partners to help provide students and others with information and guidance on staying safe, including on nights out.”

The raise in reported spiking of drugs has matched by reports of spiking via injection rather than tampered drink.

Barrow MP Simon Fell called for punishment for those responsible for spiking drinks.

He said: "This issue is despicable and people need to be confident that those who are carrying out these attacks will face the full force of the law.

"First though, we need to see just what the scale of this issue is.

"As I understand it, the Home Secretary has asked all police forces to urgently report back on how widespread this is.

"Once we have that information, we can take prudent steps to identifying and punishing those responsible, and better protecting those who are heading out for an innocent night out."

The rise has led to calls for boycotts to nightclubs across the UK.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Farron described his concern for young people during a time of rising spiking.

Tim said: “I’m really concerned to see this rise in people’s drinks being spiked in nightclubs.

“Young women, and anyone else for that matter, should be able to go out to a bar or club without fear of being drugged.

“I’d like to see the police working closely with nightclubs, student groups and universities so we can understand the scale of this problem.

“There is definitely an argument about having much better security at these venues, and better training for staff so they are able to spot when this is happening.

“I think there also needs to be much better education and awareness about what to do if you think that you or a friend has been spiked so you can get help.”

A spokesperson from Cumbria Police said: "Whilst drink-spiking is a rare occurrence, it does happen and is something we all need to be more aware of.

"Firstly, spiking someone’s drink is an extremely serious offence and carries a maximum prison sentence of 10 years.

"If anyone sees someone spiking a drink or suspects such an offence having taken place, they should contact the police immediately.

"There are steps we can all take to better protect ourselves such as getting into a habit of never leaving a drink unattended and not accepting a drink from someone you don’t know."

Symptoms of having had your drink spiked can include:

  • Lowered inhibitions
  • Loss of balance
  • Visual problems
  • Confusion
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Unconsciousness