MORE than £9,000 has been allocated to provide new training to night-time economy staff to tackle drink spiking and prevention devices to the counties across West Mercia.

The money has been provided by the West Mercia Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) John Campion to tackle this issue across the counties run by West Mercia Police.

Exploitation and Vulnerability Trainers have been training bar and door staff to spot signs of drink spiking and how to deal with the situation.

In addition, 90, 000 bottle spikey devices and drink covers have been purchased.

It is hoped this will provide comfort to those visiting bars and nightclubs and people will realise staff are there to help and aware of the signs.

Mr Campion said: “People should be able to go out and enjoy themselves without fear of what might happen to them.

“I hope these new measures will offer reassurance that West Mercia Police and I are responding to public concerns.

“I hope this training to the staff at venues alongside the preventative devices goes someway to reassuring the community.”

Chief Superintendent, Paul Moxeley added: “We welcome the support from our Police and Crime Commissioner in helping with our work to target those who may seek to exploit others looking to enjoy a night out.

“The additional funding will complement our existing work to target offenders and to send a strong message to those who may seek to exploit others that the police, door staff and bar staff will be watching their behaviour and taking action to stop them.”