Drink-spiking in Salzburg: Police warn of Advent season risks
After two confirmed cases in the Pongau, Salzburg police warn of drink-spiking at events. Perpetrators remain at large.
Salzburg police warn after drink-spiking incidents in the Pongau
Two young women were allegedly victims of drink-spiking in September at a festival for an Austropop singer from the Pongau in the St. Johann district. As salzburg.orf.at reports, Salzburg police confirm both incidents – and warn, with an eye on the upcoming Advent season, of increased danger in bars and at events.
"The danger theoretically exists everywhere where many people consume open drinks, that is in bars, at events and the like," said Hans Wolfgruber of the Salzburg State Police Directorate. The cases in the Pongau are not isolated incidents – similar incidents also occur repeatedly in the rest of the state. The perpetrator or perpetrators currently remain at large; investigations are ongoing.
Police appeal to event attendees to keep an eye on each other and to act quickly if suspicious. Wolfgruber named typical warning symptoms: sudden dizziness, nausea or other physical and mental impairment. "Then one should call the emergency number and alert the emergency services," said Wolfgruber. Immediate reporting is also crucial to enable investigations and evidence gathering.
The factor of time is particularly important: the substances administered are broken down relatively quickly in the body and are therefore often only detectable for a short time. The sooner a report is made, the greater the chance of securing evidence.
Legally speaking: the clandestine administration of drink-spiking agents constitutes the offence of assault. Should sexual assault or property crimes against defenceless persons be added, further criminal offences may come into play.
Source: Google News AT — Crime (de)