New device to stop drink spiking

Around 4,500 specially-made corks are being made available to Newport revellers to stop drugs being put in their bottled drinks.

The 'Spika Stopper' plastic devices have a flexible lip that stops anything being slipped into the bottle but allows the drink out.

Spiking, where drugs like GHB and Rohypnol are put in drinks, can leave the consumer feeling very drunk and vulnerable to sex attacks.

Gwent Police today handed out the stoppers at Newport's Chicago Rock to the owners of bars and clubs within the Newport Pub Watch scheme, where each is linked with the police by radio.

PC Mike Lewis, the Newport police licensing officer, said: "It's a clever device that stops anyone putting something into a bottled drink.We are giving away thousands of them to help reduce drink spiking in our area."

He said the Newport Community Safety Partnership, made up of police, Newport city council and other organisations, paid for the items.

PC Lewis said there were plans from the 'Spika Stoppers' developers, based in Bridgend, to have all bottles fitted with the device at the point of production.

Gwent Police launched an All Wales Spiked Campaign before Christmas last year to raise awareness about the dangers of having your drink spiked.

Over the next two months, 20 people came forward with claims they were spiked while on a night out in Gwent.

None of the reported incidents have led to convictions, mainly through a lack of forensic evidence.

To combat the problem police are urging those who think they have been victims of spiking to contact them.

Tips to make sure you are safe: Be wary about accepting drinks from anyone you do not know well.

If you accept a drink make sure it is in an unopened container or see it poured.

Do not leave your drink unattended, even to go to the lavatory.

If returning to an unattended drink, leave it and get a new one.

If you start to feel strange, keep a close friend with you at all time.

If you think you are a victim notify police immediately.