Drink spiking in nightclubs under-reported, say Vancouver police
Police say on average about 6 incidents are reported per year
The number of times someone is sexually assaulted after having their drink spiked at a bar or nightclub in Vancouver is under-reported, according to Vancouver police.
"We do think there are more incidents that we are not hearing about," said Sgt. Randy Fincham.
Fincham was commenting after a recent Reddit post highlighted the issue.
"I saw some guy sprinkle something over my drinks. I told the bartender I wasn't paying for those and wanted new ones," wrote one Reddit user in the post.
Fincham said that's not too unusual, and police believe many incidents still go unreported.
"It's very scary, very serious, very real concern for people going to a bar with a potential that they could be taken advantage of," said Fincham.
In recent years the following number of incidents have been reported to Vancouver police:
- In 2013: 6 reports
- In 2014: 8 reports
- In 2015: 5 reports
A real concern
Police ask bar patrons to take incidents very seriously and to never take their eyes off their drinks.
"If you haven't seen the bartender pop the cap on your beer, don't accept it," he said. "If you aren't there to witness the bartender make your mixed drink for you, don't accept that drink from a stranger."
Police advise to try to stay with trustworthy friends and to report suspicious activity immediately.
"Report it to bar staff. If they don't take it seriously then your next call is to 9-1-1 and we will show up," said Fincham.
He says bar staff are able to hold on to someone until the police arrive.
"If they have their own concerns about holding on to someone, they can refer us to surveillance footage," he said, as many bars and restaurants are well equipped with security cameras.
He says in some cases it's a repeat offender, making it even more crucial to report it.
In many cases when drinks are spiked, the drug GHB is used to knock the potential victims unconscious.
To hear the full interview click on the audio labelled What to do if someone spikes your drink on the CBC's The Early Edition.