Tweed Byron police investigating reports of drink spiking at Byron Bay Schoolies 2022
Police have been investigating worrying reports of drink spiking at this year’s Schoolies festivities in Byron Bay. Read the latest from the coastal party hub.
Byron Shire
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Police have been investigating reports of drink spiking at Byron Bay Schoolies as allegations do the rounds among peer groups.
NSW Police confirmed officers have probed at least three reports of spiking amid the festivities in the popular coastal hub.
So far, police have not been able to substantiate an offence regarding two of the reports, but a third reported case remains of concern.
The incident was reported to police on December 2 and revolves around an 18-year-old woman being targeted. She has not yet provided a formal statement to police.
Meanwhile, young school leaver Abigail Webster, from South Yarra in Melbourne, said last week that “toolies” – older revellers getting involved in the activities for school leavers – were of concern to her amid rumours of spiking.
“Apparently a person was spiking someone but I don’t know if it’s a rumour or not,” she said.
“I saw an ambulance was called last night. That was scary.
“I’m watching where my drink is being made and I’m not putting it down anywhere.”
Another schoolie, Melbourne’s Maddie Rose, said there was a “cool and necessary” heavy police presence at the Byron festivities, which are not held in any official capacity.
Security was seemingly particularly heavy around the Beach Hotel, a well-known venue among school leavers and others partying in the town.
Police conducted a high-visibility operation in Byron between November 24 and December 4 targeting drug and alcohol-related crime and anti-social behaviour.
In response to the reported spiking incidents, Tweed Byron police Detective Chief Inspector Matt Kehoe said police were speaking with operators of licensed premises and their staff.
“Increased patrols of these premises has been a key tasking during the current operation and we will continue to work closely with operators throughout this weekend,” he said.
Byron councillor Duncan Dey spoke of “dangers” surrounding schoolies at Byron Bay generally and threw his support behind having a strong police presence during Schoolies.
“I have faith that the local police will protect the young people during schoolies and I wish them well,” he said.
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