School visits continue following vape-related incidents in Eastleigh

We have recently been made aware of incidents in our area, where two teenagers have become unwell, reportedly following the use of unlicenced and untested vapes. Thankfully, both have since recovered.

In a bid to prevent the potential for further harm to teenagers’ health, officers from our Neighbourhood Policing Team and Education Partnership Team will be continuing to visit schools in the district to educate pupils around vapes, specifically the health risks of those which are not purchased from licenced premises.

• In an effort to raise awareness of the seriousness of this issue and the wider implications of using such vapes, officers will be continuing to liaise with colleges, schools, pupils, teachers and parents, sharing important information on this subject and completing assemblies and class talks where required.

• As part of our discussions, we’ll be explaining the law around vapes, also stressing that it is illegal to purchase vapes on behalf of anyone under the age of 18, that vapes should only contain 2ml of liquid and that the strength of that should be no more than 20mg/ml.

• Pupils will be made aware of the law around the possession and supply of unlicenced vapes, including those containing suspected illegal or unknown substances.

• We’ll be reminding young people of our police powers and how anyone suspected of being involved in any criminality relating to vapes can be stopped and searched, and that any illegal items can be seized.

• As part of our educational approach, as we do with any talk of this nature, officers will also explain the negative implications on a person’s life once they have a criminal record, including the risk to their studies, restrictions with getting certain jobs later in life, and restrictions on some holiday destinations.

Chief Inspector Rachel Noble said: “I am, of course, very concerned that teenagers in our community have become unwell following the reported use of a vape.

“We are continuing to investigate the reports and our enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding these incidents.

“We hope that increasing information and education on the dangers of possessing vapes of unknown and unlicenced origin will make those who use them think twice about doing so.

“To parents and guardians of young people in our area, we ask that you please continue to reinforce and share the above information and messaging with your children. This will help to ensure no other children become unwell as a result of vapes, including those which are unlicenced and untested.

“Together, we can all spot the signs and, therefore, ensure the safety of our young people.”

If you have any information to share with us regarding any of the above, please contact 101 and quote incident number 44260055791.

You can find more information and advice at the below links. Please read and share with family, friends and colleagues;

Young people and vaping - Better Health - NHS

How to identify illegal vaping products | Change Grow Live