Staff and patrons on high alert as Newcastle’s hotel industry fights back over “needle spiking” reports

Two more Newcastle venues have been added to the list of places where women have reported being injected with needles as the city’s publicans order staff and regulars to be hyper-vigilant.

Publicans have told staff and regular patrons to be on the lookout for any suspicious behaviour as police continue to hunt the source of a series of “needle spikings” across at least three different Newcastle locations last weekend.

The Kent Hotel at Hamilton and the Newcastle Jockey Club have joined the King Street Hotel as venues where women have reported suffering puncture wounds consistent with a needle.

And fears that a serial predator has been targeting unsuspecting women have increased after a woman came forward to report she had discovered a needle wound more than a fortnight ago.

Five other women have now given police statements from incidents occurring last weekend.

A woman found a needle mark on her right thigh (above) after falling ill and being hospitalised in Newcastle last week. Picture: Supplied.

Detectives continue to pore over security footage at venues in a bid to identify a possible culprit.

They are still awaiting toxicology results to see whether the women, some of whom have reported becoming ill and even losing consciousness, were injected with a substance.

Investigators are also seeking expert medical advice to help confirm what could have been used to cause the injury and bruising – including whether it was a hypodermic needle, an epipen or even some other form of weapon.

Part of the investigation will also cover why the women never reported feeling anything sharp, with some victims of similar incidents in the UK telling authorities they felt a firm scratch when they were targeted.

Kent Hotel owner and Hamilton liquor accord chairman Steve Hunt said licensees had gone on the front foot since hearing of the apparent attacks.

Kent Hotel owner Steve Hunt has implored staff and patrons to stay vigilant. Picture: Supplied.

Mr Hunt said he was informed by police on Wednesday that one of the women had reported being at the popular Beaumont Street pub when she was possibly injected.

“It is a dog act and we need to be proactive in making sure people feel safe,’’ he said.

Mr Hunt said he had told staff, security and even regular patrons to help keep a lookout, and has written to other publicans on the local liquor accord after the incidents were first mentioned at a meeting earlier in the week.

The Kent Hotel at Hamilton

“Following on from the information we received of alleged needle spiking at Tuesday’s liquor accord meeting, please ask all of your team to be extra vigilant and report suspicious behaviour to management to assess, and if necessary report to police,’’ Mr Hunt asked other members.

“While this is still under investigation, we are treating this matter very seriously and would like to do everything in our power to ensure the safety of the people that come to enjoy our venues and would appreciate your help in achieving this.’’

Newcastle Jockey Club chief executive officer Duane Dowell said police had told his club of two suspected cases at the races on Saturday.

Newcastle Jockey Club at Broadmeadow

Mr Dowell said although there were about 2700 people at the races, all could be identified via their online booking system.

Some of the areas where people were celebrating were not covered by CCTV, he said.

King Street Hotel management were also quick to assist police in the investigation, opening up extensive security footage and telling their patrons they were doing everything they could to keep them safe.

The King Street Hotel at Newcastle West

Newcastle Liquor Accord president Michael Starkey said in a statement that the late-trading venues would be reviewing safety protocols and procedures “to ensure patrons remains as safe as possible”.

“We will also be considering safety precautions which have been introduced overseas such as further education and training around spiking for venue staff, increased security checks on entry, the provision of drink covers, and safety awareness campaigns,’’ Mr Starkey said.

“Personally, it saddens me to know that at a time when members of the community can finally go out and have a good time after enduring months of lockdown, that opportunity might be clouded by feelings of being unsafe. That is not want we want and not what we will tolerate here in Newcastle.’’

Mr Hunt added in the statement: “Often the best defence we have against those who may wish us harm, is the watchful eye of those who care about us. In both this instance, and throughout the entire festive season, it’s important that people look out for each other, that they have each other’s back, and most importantly, they don’t let a friend leave to make their way home alone.

“Venue operators, staff, and police are always working hard to keep everyone safe but it’s just as important that we take care of each other and come forward immediately if something seems out of place.”