A safety rating could be introduced for bars, pubs and clubs in Dorset amid reports spiking incidents have nearly quadrupled since 2017.

New figures show drink spiking reports have reached an all-time high in Dorset with recent figures pointing to a 374 per cent increase since 2017. 

The report showed 101 reported drink spiking incidents in 2021 in Dorset, up from the 27 reported incidents in 2017.

The figures were obtained from Dorset Police through a Freedom of Information request.

Just six of the 294 incidents recorded since 2017 resulted in a caution, whilst a further five people were charged in relation to drink spiking incidents.

Seventy-one investigations were completed without a suspect being identified.

Bournemouth Echo: Of the 161 reports of drink spiking, 54 investigations have been logged as complete, though no suspect was identified.

David Sidwick, the Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, said he "shared concerns" raised by the report and vowed to work 'both nationally and locally on this issue to provide the right support to victims.

Mr Sidwick said: "Drink spiking is at present an 'invisible crime', and there is much more to be done to raise awareness of it as well as to support victims.

"I acknowledge that there has been an increase over the last five years in the number of reported drink spiking incidents in Dorset, but we have to be careful when interpreting statistics. 

"In some ways, I see the increase in reporting as a positive – because it means people feel they can report an incident like spiking to the police and more importantly that something will be done about it."

Eve, 22, believes she was spiked on a night out in Bournemouth. On the night, Eve's friends said she became "weightless" and "confused".

Eve thinks people can often dismiss claims of spiking and shift blame onto the individual.

She said: "Knowing people often blame the individual makes it even harder to speak up about these types of things because people never always fully believe you."

Bournemouth Echo: Of the 161 reports of drink spiking, 54 investigations have been logged as complete, though no suspect was identified.

Mr Sidwick added: “There is a responsibility on licenced premises and there are various schemes I’m really quite excited about. We’re looking at the idea of introducing a safety rating, similar to restaurant’s hygiene ratings, for licensed premises.

“Venues know full well that if they do not provide a safe environment for people then we will take away their licence.”

In a statement, Dorset Police 'urged' anyone who suspected their drink had been spiked to report it as soon as possible.