A UNIVERSITY boss says several measures have been introduced to tackle spiking on campus.
The University of Essex revealed it has installed a new CCTV system as part of its efforts to ensure students can enjoy a safer night out.
Search dogs will be used on busier nights and free anti-spiking devices will be readily accessible in campus bars, the Gazette has been told.
It comes as a new working group from the Department for Education and Home Office dedicated to tackling the number of attacks against students launched this week.
Universities Minister Michelle Donelan convened the group, which will bring together vice-chancellors, police, campaigners and victims to produce plans for practical action to help keep students safe.
Following personal experience with a victim of spiking, Mrs Donelan will ask every university to introduce a policy on tackling spiking by the end of the year to ensure victims are supported.
University of Essex registrar Bryn Morris said he welcomed the launch of the group.
He said: “We are fortunate to have a very strong relationship with Essex Police and work closely with them around safeguarding everyone in the university community.
“We have introduced several measures as part of our zero-tolerance approach to spiking working closely with the Students’ Union.
“This includes special bystander training for staff, free anti-spiking devices in bars, installing a new CCTV system, and using search dogs on key nights.
“Everyone deserves to enjoy their time at university safely and we welcome the launch of the working group.”
Last month, a Home Affairs Select Committee report found the true prevalence of spiking remains unknown although a recent survey by student outlet The Tab suggested 11 per cent of students believed they have had their drink spiked.
Further research by the Alcohol Education Trust found more than one in ten young adults had been victims of spiking.
Mrs Donelan added: “This is an issue that is very close to my heart, having had someone close to me spiked when I was younger, which had devastating consequences.
“I know first-hand what a horrific crime this is and I am determined to stamp it out.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here