Student safety

Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. This is illegal even if no other offence is committed. People can also be the victims of ‘needle spiking’, which is injecting someone with drugs without their consent.

Spiking can happen to anyone anywhere – no matter their gender, sexuality or ethnicity – and can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.

We know it can be scary to report being spiked, but the police are here to help you. We will listen to you and take you seriously.

If you think you have just been spiked call 999. You can also call 101 to report it afterwards. 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.

After you make the report, we will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in a very short time (within 12 hours), so it is important to test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing will be considered up to seven days after the incident. The test we use is the most effective way of finding out whether you have been spiked. If you are tested in a hospital or by your GP, you will need to also have a police test, as this is what can be used as evidence to support charges or convictions. If you tell us how much you have drunk and whether you have voluntarily taken drugs, we will be able to provide a more accurate result.

The test results will come back in three weeks, and we will keep you updated on progress.