Hertfordshire Constabulary support national spiking awareness campaign

This week, Hertfordshire Constabulary is supporting a National Police Chiefs’ Council campaign highlighting the impact of spiking.

Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. For example, in their drink or with a needle. Spiking can happen to anyone, anywhere, no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity, and it can be carried out by strangers or by people you know. Whichever way it happens, the impact on the victim can be personally catastrophic and potentially life changing.

Contrary to popular belief, spiking is not just limited to slipping a drug in someone’s drink – the following examples are all within the range of behaviours that would be considered spiking, under the existing legislation:

• Putting alcohol into someone’s drink without their knowledge or permission, including adding measures to someone’s drink that they have not asked for
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission
• Injecting another person with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person's food without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person's cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission.

Detective Chief Inspector Michael Macbeth, from Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Safeguarding Command, explained: “It can be difficult to tell whether your drink has been spiked, as it may not necessarily change the taste, smell or colour of your drink. If you do notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, stop drinking it – and if you’re in a bar, pub or club, tell staff or security immediately.

“It can also be hard to spot the symptoms of spiking as they vary depending on what you may have been spiked with. There are a range of things to look out for, including confusion, nausea or vomiting, hallucinations and paranoia, disorientation, poor coordination and unconsciousness. If you are on a night out and start to feel strange, unwell, or more drunk than you think you should be, seek help straight away.”

Michael added: “Everybody has the right to enjoy a safe night out. Across Hertfordshire, we work closely with venues and staff to ensure that they are following the correct process if they believe a spiking incident has occurred. Spiking, in any form, is a horrendous and invasive crime. It is against the law, and anyone who commits this crime can face a sentence of up to ten years in prison. No assault needs to take place in order for it to constitute a crime – the simple act of adding something to a drink or injecting someone without their knowledge or consent is enough.

He continued: “Research shows that many spiking incidents do not get reported to the police. Spiking is a complex crime to investigate, given how quickly certain drugs can pass through the system and the fact that there is often limited evidence. In order to have the best possible chance of bringing offenders to justice, we would encourage anyone who thinks they may have been spiked to report it as soon as they can.

“We know it can be intimidating to report spiking incidents, and you might be worried that you won’t be taken seriously or believed. Please be assured that we are here to help you: we will listen, without judgement, and we will take you seriously.”

You can now report spiking incidents via our new online reporting portal. The online form is a safe, secure, and straightforward way of reporting spiking crimes, and reports can be submitted anonymously if preferred. People can also continue reporting spiking incidents by calling 101 or 999 in an emergency.

Alongside the new reporting form, comprehensive guidance has been published about spiking, including the signs to look out for and what happens after a report has been made.