A warning has been issued ahead of New Year's Eve about drink spiking.
The National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) has published figures from the following year that show the number of reports of spiking ahead of New Year's Eve, with almost 5,000 reports in just 12 months. The NPCC published that between September 2021 and September 2022 nearly 5,000 reports of needle and drink spiking incidents were reported to forces across the country.
Spiking is when alcohol or drugs are placed into a person's drink or body without them knowing or consenting. It is illegal whether or not a further offence is committed.
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Symptoms can vary depending on what you have been spiked with. According to DrinkAware, symptoms can include:
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Lowered inhibitions
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Loss of balance
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Feeling sleepy
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Visual problems
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Confusion
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Nausea
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Vomiting
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Unconsciousness
Earlier this year, the ECHO reported on four friends who claimed to have been spiked after collapsing while out in Liverpool. The students reported it, with Merseyside Police saying at the time: "All four women were treated at the venue and then taken to hospital after the incident for assessment. Officers are continuing to review CCTV footage at the premises and anyone with any information is asked to contact police."
Following the incident, Detective Inspector Ben Dyer said: "If you think you have been a victim of spiking please contact us immediately. It means the necessary medical tests can be carried out to identify you have been spiked which are vital for evidential purposes and ultimately bringing offenders to justice and protecting potential victims."
The recent figures from the NPCC show that 2,581 cases of needle spiking were reported, 2,131 cases of drink spiking were reported and 212 of other spiking through food, cigarettes etc. In total the number of spikings reported from September 2021 to September 20222 was 4,924.
Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the National Police Chiefs’ Council lead for Violence Against Women and Girls, said: “Behind each of these reports is a frightened victim whose night out has turned into a nightmare. I know from talking to victims of spiking how utterly terrifying it can be.
“Police forces have increased action against spiking with uniformed and covert operations in bars and clubs, working alongside venues to prevent and investigate spiking. Spiking is a complex and challenging offence to investigate. Drugs pass through the system quickly and there is often limited evidence to identify offenders, which means it’s not easy to get these cases to court.
“In order to have the best chance of identifying drugs and bringing offenders to justice, our message to anyone who thinks they have been spiked is to report early and be tested by the police. Don’t let the fact that you might have knowingly taken illegal drugs, stop you from reporting. It’s really important that if you do think you have been spiked, and you have taken drugs, that you let the officer know so that they have the full picture.”
The NPCC's advice if you think you have been spiked is: "Call 999 or 101 to report it to the police. We need to know about every possible spiking so we can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place. If you are out in a bar or club, you can report to a member of staff, who will be able to help and support you.
"If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call NHS 111.
"If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support. At a SARC you can receive a medical or forensic examination (whether or not you decide to report to the police).
"If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, you can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111."
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