A NIGHTCLUB in Andover has said that, while incidents of spiking are “rare”, it would urge anyone concerned about safety to seek help immediately.

Over the past few weeks, there has been something of a spiking epidemic, with police asked to urgently assess the scale of drink spiking at nightclubs and parties amid a rise in reports and claims some people have been drugged by injection.

Home Secretary Priti Patel has asked forces for an update after some said they had seen more spiking incidents in recent months.

Police chiefs have also been tasked by the Commons Home Affairs Committee to urgently provide more information on their assessment of the scale of the problem after reports of incidents in several parts of the country, including Nottingham, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Groups from more than 30 universities around the UK have joined an online campaign calling for the boycott of nightclubs, with campaigners seeking “tangible” changes to make them safer, such as covers/stoppers for drinks, better training for staff and more rigorous searches of clubbers.

Meanwhile, in Andover, one nightclub told the Advertiser that it is “highly regulated” with multiple safety precautions in place to help residents feel safe while out and about.

A spokesperson for Cameo Andover said that they understand the fear surrounding spiking claims, and want to reassure guests that the London Street venue is doing everything it can to create a safe and enjoyable experience. However, they also claimed that risk from such crimes is greater from someone known to the victim, and at settings such as house parties rather than night time economy venues.

They said: “Everyone should feel safe on a night out, and they should feel safe in our club. We are the most regulated part of the hospitality sector; we work hard to create a welcoming, inclusive and safe environment so that all our guests can enjoy a fun night out and will do everything we can to protect this right.”

They continued: “While these incidents are rare, we take all reports of drink spiking very seriously. Our teams are fully trained on the issue and have the support of our onsite first aiders. We also operate our ‘We Care’ policy and support the ‘Ask Angela’ scheme.

“We offer anti-spiking devices to all of our guests and operate 100 per cent searches on entry, which also includes ID scanners and metal detector arches. We have extensive CCTV coverage throughout the venue and our security teams wear bodycams and we will pass on footage to the Police to help with any investigation. Anyone who is suspected of spiking will be detained and handed over to the Police.

Sending a message to people in Andover, the added: ““We would encourage anyone who sees suspicious behaviour, or suspects they have been a victim of spiking, to seek immediate assistance from a member of staff or security, who are trained to help and who also have the support of our onsite first aiders.

“We would also encourage them to contact police and seek medical advice, so that any allegation can be properly investigated.”