This reeks of PR and gimmickry from all concerned - or, at least, when I see words like 'vibrant' and 'inclusive' in relation to stuff about people getting stupidly drunk then that's often my first thought
And 'partner' as a verb
And, of course, we all know what happened in Norwich with a driver from Veezu's previous brand ABC
Veezu taxis partner with Stamp Out Spiking in Norwich
https://www.eveningnews24.co.uk/news/25 ... g-norwich/
Image: Veezu/Norwich Evening News
A taxi firm is set to launch a "first-of-its-kind" initiative to make the city's streets safer at night.
Taxi firm, Veezu, has partnered with Stamp Out Spiking to launch the UK's first accredited anti-spiking awareness training.
The pilot, launching later this summer, is said to equip drivers to recognise and respond to spiking risks and supporting safer journeys home.
Chris Ford, regional director at Veezu, said: "Driver already play an important role in helping people get home safely.
"This partnership is about going further, ensuring they have the knowledge and confidence to respond with care and offer an added layer of protection when it's needed most."
Dawn Dines, founder of Stamp Out Spiking, added: "Spiking is a hidden crime that can have devastating consequences.
We understand just how vital it is to collaborate with different sectors to safeguard against spiking.
"By empowering drivers with the knowledge to identify and respond to the signs of spiking, we are creating a vital new layer of safeguarding during the journey home."
David Woods, a driver with Veezu, said: "I've always seen passenger and public safety as a fundamental part of being a licensed private hire driver.
"When I learned about the Stamp Out Spiking campaign, I knew it was something I wanted to bring to Veezu.
"Everyone deserves to feel safe and no one should ever feel at risk when enjoying an evening out."
Jack Weaver, chief operating officer for Norfolk Chamber of Commerce, added: Norwich's night-time economy is an important part of the city’s cultural and economic life.
"The city’s Purple Flag status recognises Norwich as a safe, inclusive and well-managed place to enjoy a night out.
"It's encouraging to see local transport providers stepping up to support the high standards that make Norwich such a vibrant and trusted destination."
SPIKING REPORT FIGURES
A freedom of information (FOI) request revealed that more than a thousand reports involving spiking were made to police in Norfolk between 2019 and 2024.
Of the 1,092 incidents the number of reports reached its peak in 2022 - with 295.
The number of crimes recorded as part of the data - which contained the word "spike" or "spiking" - came out at 675.
This is 201 more offences than neighbours in Suffolk, which recorded 474 offences.
Some keywords used in searching for the offences included "administering a substance with intent, administering poison so as to endanger life" and "use of noxious substances or things to cause harm and intimidate".
