Almost one million UK adults were victims of drink spiking last year, a shocking new study suggests.
In what is the most comprehensive survey on the crime so far, around 2 per cent of Britons polled last year reported being a victim of spiking in the previous 12 months, which would equate to nearly one million people if reflective of the population at large.
However, three-quarters (77 per cent) of respondents said they did not contact the police, citing not believing action would be taken by officers (39 per cent) and not clearly remembering what had happened (38 per cent) as the most common reasons behind this decision.
Women were found to be the most likely victims (58 per cent), and bars were recorded as the most common location (41 per cent), while 25- to 34-year-olds reported the highest number of incidents.
The poll, undertaken by YouGov in summer 2025 and involving 7,256 British adults, is the fifth national survey conducted by forensic science academics at Anglia Ruskin University (ARU) alongside leading alcohol charity Drinkaware, with the findings set to be outlined at an event aimed at tackling spiking at Cambridge Festival on Saturday.
Following the survey, experts have warned far too many spiking cases still go unreported.
Drink spiking involves adding a substance to someone’s drink without their knowledge. Substances may include illegal or pharmaceutical drugs, or alcohol, and incidents can be associated with sexual assault, physical assault, theft and “pranks”, although the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC) said most recorded offences did not lead onto a second offence. All forms of spiking are currently illegal and can be prosecuted under a range of criminal offences. The government made spiking a standalone offence in 2024.
Couple Sara and Stephen Ridgewell have previously spoken to The Independent about the terrifying time they were spiked while at a former colleague’s engagement party in February 2023. They said they had three or four drinks during the time they all travelled to the venue on a minibus and for one-and-a-half hours once they had arrived, which included Prosecco from a bottle that only they drank from. After that, they said they cannot remember much at all for hours.
Ms Ridgewell, 43, said: “We were both very scared and shocked this could happen. We were out as a couple with people we knew, and assumed we were in a safe environment where we could relax.”
The couple said they woke up in a budget hotel, with no recollection of how they had got there. Piecing together the few vague memories they had of the night, they said they discovered Mr Ridgewell, 46, had wet himself, which had never happened before, and also cut his head after falling over.
The 46-year-old said: “It’s such a scary thing – I’ve been out a million times for drinks with friends – something happens where you don’t know where you’ve been. I wasn’t in control of my body. It was such a worrying experience to have gone through. Afterwards, piecing together what could have happened, it’s the what could’ve happened that’s really scary.”
Dr Lata Gautam, Associate Professor in Forensic Science at ARU, who will be leading the event to present the survey’s findings, said: “Drink spiking has increased in the public’s consciousness in recent years, but our latest findings show that far too many cases still go unreported. With more than three-quarters of victims not coming forward, it’s vital that we raise awareness about the importance of contacting the police and seeking support.”
She added that there remain significant challenges in identifying the different substances used in spiking.
Annabelle Bonus, Director of Research, Strategy and Impact at Drinkaware, said: “Drink spiking is a serious crime that can happen to anyone, anywhere. With our survey suggesting that more than a million people are affected each year, it is vital that victims feel confident reporting it to the police.”
An NPCC spokesperson said: "Spiking can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety. It is also a complex offence to investigate as drugs can pass through the system quickly and there is often a lack of evidential opportunities, making early reporting and forensic testing even more crucial.
“Police forces continue to work proactively to stop spiking from happening in the first place, and improve feelings of safety for women and girls. This includes regular, targeted and dedicated patrols to identify and intercept predatory or suspicious behaviour.
“Forces also work closely with bars, pubs and clubs to tackle spiking in the night time economy, and visit organisations, such as universities, to raise awareness of the symptoms of spiking. We are also exploring ways of earlier and more efficient evidence collection so that we can take action as soon as possible.
“We are aware spiking remains significantly under‑reported and we would encourage anyone who is a victim of spiking to report it to the police as soon as possible, even if you are unsure. If something doesn’t feel right then come forward and tell us, so we can investigate and take steps to prevent further incidents. You will be listened to, and you will be taken seriously.”
