Darlington appeal to report alleged spiking incidents to police

Several spiking incidents have been reported in the town centre in recent months but councillors moved to reassure residents that its pubs and bars are a safe space. 

A council meeting on Thursday (March 23) heard how the council continues to work with the police to crackdown on the issue. Several preventative measures have been introduced to combat the problem such as drink stoppers and searches. 

The measures were in response to the reports, with people taking to social media to name and shame Darlington businesses where alleged incidents happened. 

Cllr Mike Renton, cabinet member for stronger communities, said: “We have visited bars telling the public they are safe and if anything goes wrong they need to report it there and then, it can’t be something you post on Facebook four days later. That’s what we’re trying to avoid.”

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Avalon in Darlington is preventing spiking by giving out 'Cup Condoms' (Image: Stuart Boulton)

The appeal came after Labour councillor Cyndi Hughes criticised the council at the meeting for a lack of attention around spiking in its latest repor. But cllr Renton assured the public they are safe in Darlington. “Everything on your night out from the beginning to when you go home is protected,” he added. 

Other measures introduced to support the town’s nightlife economy include Number Forty - a safe space in the town centre for vulnerable people - has responded to 220 incidents since opening in September 2022. 

The initiative, launched in partnership with the Safer Streets programme, has 30 volunteers to help distribute equipment such as personal attack alarms and spiking test kits. And from this spring, volunteers will patrol the town centre as ‘street support’ to help vulnerable people. 

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Number Forty - a safe space in the town centre for vulnerable people - has responded to 220 incidents since opening in September 2022. (Image: SARAH CALDECOTT)

Council Leader Jonathan Dulston urged opposition councillors not to politicise an issue which, he said, undermines local businesses.

He said: “I am confident that Darlington is a safe night out. There have been incidents, we’ve investigated them fully, but the political campaigns by the Labour party are not helpful and are potentially damaging to businesses. 

“We have some of the best publicans in the country who are stepping up and doing fantastic work.”