Latest news with #AskforAngela
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police crack down on drink spiking after scares
Police say they are stepping up efforts to protect party-goers from drinks spiking in a town in Cornwall. There were three reports of suspected spiking in Newquay in April, though investigations did not confirm the presence of harmful substances, said Devon and Cornwall Police. Spiking involves the surreptitious administration of drugs into drinks, vapes, or through injection without the victim's knowledge or consent. Officers were working with clubs and pubs to raise awareness, prevent spiking incidents, and improve reporting, said police leaders. "Newquay is a popular hub for people to visit and enjoy a night out," said Insp Steve Johnson. "While it is a safe town, we know how vital it is to play our part in making sure everyone who visits feels safe. "We also want people to know that if they are in need of help, our officers are there for them." He also encouraged victims of spiking to tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible. Anyone who was a victim of spiking should also report it to police immediately to give the best chances of capturing evidence. Insp Johnson said: "We would like to make it clear that victims are never to blame. "We are here to listen and keep you safe. Your reports of spiking will be taken seriously and perpetrators will be pursued." The police would also be making regular high-visibility patrols to deter crime, he said. Insp Johnson said: "Our patrols are intelligence-led, which means officers are located in areas and times where crime would be most likely to occur. "This means they can effectively safeguard the public and prevent crime from happening." He urged people to use and support initiatives such as Ask for Angela, a project in place at thousands of venues nationwide which aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger. "So, if you're on a night out in Newquay, have a great time - but please make sure you keep safe. "Help and support are available if you need it," he said. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ BBC secret filming shows pubs not enforcing safety scheme Police warning over drink spiking in Plymouth 'Stay vigilant' warning as spiking reports drop 7% Ask for Angela Devon and Cornwall Police
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police crack down on drink spiking after scares
Police say they are stepping up efforts to protect party-goers from drinks spiking in a town in Cornwall. There were three reports of suspected spiking in Newquay in April, though investigations did not confirm the presence of harmful substances, said Devon and Cornwall Police. Spiking involves the surreptitious administration of drugs into drinks, vapes, or through injection without the victim's knowledge or consent. Officers were working with clubs and pubs to raise awareness, prevent spiking incidents, and improve reporting, said police leaders. "Newquay is a popular hub for people to visit and enjoy a night out," said Insp Steve Johnson. "While it is a safe town, we know how vital it is to play our part in making sure everyone who visits feels safe. "We also want people to know that if they are in need of help, our officers are there for them." He also encouraged victims of spiking to tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible. Anyone who was a victim of spiking should also report it to police immediately to give the best chances of capturing evidence. Insp Johnson said: "We would like to make it clear that victims are never to blame. "We are here to listen and keep you safe. Your reports of spiking will be taken seriously and perpetrators will be pursued." The police would also be making regular high-visibility patrols to deter crime, he said. Insp Johnson said: "Our patrols are intelligence-led, which means officers are located in areas and times where crime would be most likely to occur. "This means they can effectively safeguard the public and prevent crime from happening." He urged people to use and support initiatives such as Ask for Angela, a project in place at thousands of venues nationwide which aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger. "So, if you're on a night out in Newquay, have a great time - but please make sure you keep safe. "Help and support are available if you need it," he said. Follow BBC Cornwall on X, Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@ BBC secret filming shows pubs not enforcing safety scheme Police warning over drink spiking in Plymouth 'Stay vigilant' warning as spiking reports drop 7% Ask for Angela Devon and Cornwall Police
BBC News
05-05-2025
- BBC News
Newquay police crack down on drink spiking after scares
Police say they are stepping up efforts to protect party-goers from drinks spiking in a town in were three reports of suspected spiking in Newquay in April, though investigations did not confirm the presence of harmful substances, said Devon and Cornwall involves the surreptitious administration of drugs into drinks, vapes, or through injection without the victim's knowledge or were working with clubs and pubs to raise awareness, prevent spiking incidents, and improve reporting, said police leaders. "Newquay is a popular hub for people to visit and enjoy a night out," said Insp Steve Johnson."While it is a safe town, we know how vital it is to play our part in making sure everyone who visits feels safe. "We also want people to know that if they are in need of help, our officers are there for them."He also encouraged victims of spiking to tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible. Anyone who was a victim of spiking should also report it to police immediately to give the best chances of capturing Johnson said: "We would like to make it clear that victims are never to blame."We are here to listen and keep you safe. Your reports of spiking will be taken seriously and perpetrators will be pursued." The police would also be making regular high-visibility patrols to deter crime, he Johnson said: "Our patrols are intelligence-led, which means officers are located in areas and times where crime would be most likely to occur."This means they can effectively safeguard the public and prevent crime from happening."He urged people to use and support initiatives such as Ask for Angela, a project in place at thousands of venues nationwide which aims to provide a discreet lifeline for people who believe they are in danger."So, if you're on a night out in Newquay, have a great time - but please make sure you keep safe."Help and support are available if you need it," he said.
Yahoo
05-05-2025
- Yahoo
More venues can join 'Ask for Angela' safety scheme
More bars and clubs across a county are getting the chance to join a safety scheme designed to help people feel secure on a night out. The "Ask for Angela" initiative, where people in distress can get a coded message to venue staff that they need help, is being rolled out across the whole West Northamptonshire Council area. Venues are being asked to sign up, which involves some staff training. Once done, they can put posters in their windows to let revellers know about their safety accreditation. Jane Carr, chair of West Northants Community Safety Partnership, said: "Ask for Angela is a vital part of our ongoing commitment to making our night-time economy a welcoming and safe space for all." "Ask for Angela" has been operating in some parts of the county and other areas nationwide for a few years. It was named in memory of Angela Phillips, a woman who was abused and killed by her husband in 2012. If someone discreetly 'asks for Angela' when speaking to venue staff, it gives them a signal that they need help and they can be taken to a safe space. Despite its success, a recent BBC investigation found that 13 of 25 venues visited elsewhere in the country failed to respond correctly to the Angela request. In Northamptonshire, a formal list of participating venues is being compiled, with each site receiving training and continued support from local authorities and safety partners. Simon Moreton, Northamptonshire Police's licensing sergeant, said the scheme "provides another avenue for people who feel unsafe to get help". "If someone you have met is making you feel uncomfortable, exiting the situation can often feel difficult. The discreet nature of the Ask for Angela scheme gives people an easy way out and that's something we wholeheartedly support," he said. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. 'I asked for Angela - it was a disaster' Ask for Angela
BBC News
05-05-2025
- BBC News
Ask for Angela: More Northamptonshire venues can join scheme
More bars and clubs across a county are getting the chance to join a safety scheme designed to help people feel secure on a night "Ask for Angela" initiative, where people in distress can get a coded message to venue staff that they need help, is being rolled out across the whole West Northamptonshire Council are being asked to sign up, which involves some staff training. Once done, they can put posters in their windows to let revellers know about their safety Carr, chair of West Northants Community Safety Partnership, said: "Ask for Angela is a vital part of our ongoing commitment to making our night-time economy a welcoming and safe space for all." "Ask for Angela" has been operating in some parts of the county and other areas nationwide for a few years. It was named in memory of Angela Phillips, a woman who was abused and killed by her husband in someone discreetly 'asks for Angela' when speaking to venue staff, it gives them a signal that they need help and they can be taken to a safe its success, a recent BBC investigation found that 13 of 25 venues visited elsewhere in the country failed to respond correctly to the Angela request. In Northamptonshire, a formal list of participating venues is being compiled, with each site receiving training and continued support from local authorities and safety Moreton, Northamptonshire Police's licensing sergeant, said the scheme "provides another avenue for people who feel unsafe to get help"."If someone you have met is making you feel uncomfortable, exiting the situation can often feel difficult. The discreet nature of the Ask for Angela scheme gives people an easy way out and that's something we wholeheartedly support," he said. Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
