Halloween spiking warning from Devon and Cornwall Police

A sneaky extra shot in a mate’s glass might feel like a harmless Halloween wind-up. Devon and Cornwall Police see it very differently.

Ahead of Halloween this Saturday (31 October), the force has issued a blunt message under the line “Trick or treat? Spiking is neither”. And the warning covers more than most people might expect.

What counts as spiking

Putting drugs into someone’s drink is spiking. So is handing someone a vape that contains spice or THC.

But police also want people to know that adding extra alcohol to a drink without the person knowing counts too. That applies even if you know them, and Devon and Cornwall Police say it will be treated just as seriously as any other form of spiking.

The force puts it simply. It’s not “fun”. It’s a crime.

What could happen if you spike someone

Anyone who spikes another person could face:

• Arrest and a criminal investigation
• A prison sentence
• A criminal record
• Serious consequences for future jobs and opportunities

What to do if you think you’ve been spiked

Confirmed cases of spiking are rare in Devon and Cornwall, according to police. Even so, if you think you’ve been spiked, tell a trusted friend or a member of staff straight away.

Once you’re safe, report it to the police. That goes whether it has just happened or happened a while ago.

Reports can be made through the Devon and Cornwall Police online spiking report form, which can also be filled in on behalf of someone else.