Police issue warning as criminals spike Soho clubs’ drinks

Published: 13 August, 2010

POLICE have issued a warning to gay clubs in Soho after a spate of attacks in which men have had their drinks spiked before being robbed.

Officers met managers from dozens of clubs, pubs and bars in Soho this week to warn them of the attacks, allegedly being carried out by an eastern European gang.

In the last two weeks there have been three attacks where men are alleged to have been lured away from clubs before being drugged and robbed.

A police spokeswoman said: “We are aware of three incidents. We can’t say more than that other than investigations are ongoing and just for people drinking in Soho to be careful.”

Jeremy Precelton, manager of Barcode Soho in Archer Street and chair of the Westminster LGBT lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender forum said: “This is very worrying. 

“We met with police, and are confident they are taking this very seriously. Everyone in the area is now aware of the threat, and all we can do is urge people to keep an eye on their friends, especially if they are drunk, to call the police if they see anything suspicious.”