Following a week of discussion about drink and needle spiking in Darlington, MP Peter Gibson weighs in - with the key message "have a safe and enjoyable night."

Darlington has a vibrant and thriving nighttime economy, which is accredited with a Purple Flag. Everyone who enjoys our nightlife has a right to feel safe, and that’s why recent reports of spiking are concerning.  

I recently met with our Police and Crime Commissioner and with our local Police inspector to discuss this issue and I’m grateful to the Police for their continued updates to me on the issues.  They are very aware of the concerns that have been raised by the community on this issue. I’ve also met with leading members of the council to discuss spiking. People should be reassured that steps are being taken both in the community and by the Police to tackle this problem.

Welcoming the fact that Darlington has been successful in multiple bids for money from the Safer Streets Fund enables Darlington Borough Council and Durham Constabulary to take more actions to help safeguard people having a night out. The Hub at Number Forty, open from 9 pm to 3 am on Friday and Saturday nights, provides a safe space. For those who have concerns about spiking, they offer free urine tests. This is a hugely important and reassuring service to local people, in addition to the same test being available from the Police.

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The venue which has been the focus of much of the attention on this issue has engaged constructively with me, Police, The Council and licensing authorities. I have seen first-hand the measures in place to prevent incidents of spiking including, bottle and glass covers, extensive CCTV, body-worn cameras for staff and the provision of spiking testing for those with concerns that their drink may have been tampered with.  All of these measures will help to ensure people out in Darlington can feel safe, but if they do have concerns there are a range of steps people can take to raise the alarm and get the help they would need.

I take our community’s concerns on this issue very seriously, and that is why I met with Suella Braverman, the Home Secretary, to share my concerns about the increase in reports of spiking in Darlington. It was clear to me that the Home Secretary recognises and shares people’s concerns about spiking. It was reassuring to learn that all of the necessary legislation to prosecute a perpetrator is already in place. It’s catching the criminal responsible for spiking that poses the biggest challenge to the authorities.  

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If you have concerns about spiking whilst enjoying a night out please report this to the venue you are in, report it to the Police promptly and get a test done to check out whether you have been a victim. Please make use of bottle and glass covers and know where your drink is at all times to help keep yourself safe.

Thankfully reports of spiking in Darlington remain rare. I am grateful for all those people across Darlington who have raised this issue with me either directly or through social media. This has enabled me to share their concerns with Government, the Council and the Police, which I will continue to do on this, and all other matters brought to my attention.

Have a safe and enjoyable night out in Darlington.