Following the roundtable meeting I chaired on 4 November, a further roundtable was convened on 8 December 2021 to discuss the prevalence of spiking crimes and to agree what action should be taken. It was agreed that the key immediate and ongoing activity should focus on ensuring consistent messaging and prevention activity, including training, with the Violence Reduction Unit supporting partners to roll out bystander training for night time industry staff, to both raise awareness and help keep people safe.

Police Scotland have reported a downward trend in recorded spiking incidents since November last year, with no corroborated evidence to support claims of needle spiking. We continue to work with partners and representatives across the sectors to strengthen the response to spiking, and ensure that women feel safe and are supported to report suspected incidents.