Devon and Cornwall Police Issue Christmas Warning on Drink Spiking

Devon and Cornwall Police are urging people heading out this Christmas to stay alert after warning that drink spiking, including adding extra alcohol without someone knowing, is illegal and dangerous.

While confirmed spiking cases across Devon and Cornwall remain low, officers say reports tend to rise slightly during the festive period and are asking revellers to look out for themselves and others.

What counts as spiking?

Police say spiking can take many forms. This includes putting alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs into someone’s drink, food, cigarette or vape without their knowledge. It can also include injecting someone with prescription or illegal drugs.

All forms of spiking are illegal and can have a significant and traumatic impact on victims.

Police warning ahead of festive nights out

Martin Tregaskes, Drug & Alcohol Harm Lead Inspector for Devon & Cornwall Police, said:
“Any form of spiking is illegal and the consequences for anyone found to have spiked another person in any way can be severe, including long custodial sentences.

“Nationally we see a slight increase in reports of spiking during the festive period, so we are asking everyone to be aware when they are out, to look out for themselves and their friends, and to report anything suspicious to pub or club staff or security. Being spiked is never the fault of the victim, but nevertheless, do think twice before leaving your drink unattended.

“Feedback received from the public by our Alcohol Licensing Team reveals that the public are most concerned about people who put extra alcohol into other people’s drinks without them knowing.

“Whether you are out with friends or perhaps on an office party outing, remember this – putting extra alcohol into someone’s drink without them knowing, even if you know them and think it’s for fun, is still spiking, it’s still illegal and it can be very dangerous. Don’t be that person.”

What to do if you think you’ve been spiked

Anyone who believes they may have been spiked is advised to tell a trusted friend or a member of venue staff or security as soon as possible so they can be safeguarded.

Victims are also encouraged to report the incident to police as soon as they are safe to do so, as this gives the best chance of capturing evidence. Reports can be made through the Report button on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, and incidents can be reported even if they happened some time ago or on behalf of someone else.

More information about spiking and how to report it is available on the Devon & Cornwall Police website at dc.police.uk/spiking.

Festive awareness on social media

Devon and Cornwall Police will also be sharing spiking awareness content throughout the festive season on TikTok @dc_police and Facebook dc_police. This includes a TikTok reel about the effects of being spiked made by a local student from Exeter College, along with a series of posts presented by TikTok influencer Sharon Gaffka.

Police say the key message this Christmas is simple: look after your drink, look after your friends, and report anything that does not feel right.