Drink spike test now on the cards
IT’S something you should think about even if it hasn’t happened to you.
Imagine being able to test if your drink’s been spiked before you take a sip.
With the silly season well upon us, the Drink Detective is a new way to help prevent drink spiking and it’s got the backing of Rockhampton publican Wayne Klerkx.
Accurate and quick and easy to use, the Drink Detective is smaller than a credit card, tests for virtually all drugs used in drink spiking.
An Australian study conducted by CASA House has indicated that as many as 40% of women believe that they have had a drink spiked in the past or that an attempt has been made to spike their drink. Mr Klerkx, manager of Strutters Nightclub, said drink spiking was a worrying reality in pubs and clubs everywhere.
“As a publican you don’t ever want it to happen to your patrons and I’m sure all venues around Rocky would do whatever it takes to help prevent it,” he said.
Most of the drugs used in drink spiking leave a person’s digestive system by morning, resulting in no traces of the drug and making it difficult for police to prosecute.
Acting regional crime co-ordinator Detective Inspector Darrin Shadlow said although there had been no recent reports of drink spiking in Rockhampton, patrons needed to remember to be safe.
“We urge people to take precautions by not leaving drinks unattended and friends need to look out for each other,” Detective Inspector Shadlow said.
It is hard for police to crack down on drink spiking if incidents are not reported.
The Drink Detective claims to identify the drugs when they’re still in the glass.
Mr Klerkx said another drink spiking prevention measure he was looking into was a brightly coloured plastic stopper that is inserted into bottles to prevent pills and illicit substances being slipped in.
The tool is known as “Spikey”. It cannot be easily removed and only has enough space for a straw to pass through.
Detective Inspector Shadlow urged people to report illegal behaviour to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
The Drink Detective costs $7.90 each or $18.30 for a three pack or $54.40 for a 12 pack and can be ordered online at www.thedrinkdetective.com.au.
The company is lobbying to make the tool available to buy at clubs and pubs.
TOP TIPS- Never leave drinks unattended;
- Buy your own drinks and know what you are drinking;
- Watch your drink service closely;
- Don’t accept drinks from anyone you don’t know and trust;
- Recognise out of character behaviour and report suspicious behaviour;
- Refuse strong-tasting drinks;
- Don’t taste other people’s drinks;
- Tell someone where you are going and who with;
- If you feel strange tell a friend and go to a safe place; and
- If you feel strange don’t leave the premises with people you don’t trust.
