Devon & Cornwall Police Highlight Dangers of Spiking During Awareness Week

As part of National Spiking Awareness Week, Devon & Cornwall Police is urging people to stay vigilant and reminding everyone of the serious consequences of spiking.

What Spiking Really Means

Spiking is when someone secretly puts alcohol, prescription drugs or illegal drugs into another person’s drink, food, cigarette or vape, or injects them without their knowledge or permission.

Inspector Martin Tregaskes, Drug and Alcohol Harm Reduction lead 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. Further crimes committed against a spiked person carry their own penalties.”

How Common Is Spiking?

According to Devon & Cornwall Police, confirmed cases of spiking in the region are rare. Over the last three years, 4% of reports have been confirmed as spiking, compared to a national average of 6%.

Inspector Tregaskes explained:
“Nevertheless, we often see a slight increase nationally in reports of spiking during Fresher’s week so we are asking everyone to be aware when they are out, to look out for themselves and their friends. Victims are never to blame, and Devon & Cornwall Police will always listen and take reports of spiking seriously.”

The Risks of ‘Just a Bit of Fun’

Licensing Teams across pubs, clubs and bars in Devon and Cornwall are working to promote safety. One concern raised is people adding extra alcohol to friends’ drinks without their knowledge.

Inspector Tregaskes said:
“Our Licensing Teams are very active in promoting safety in pubs, clubs and bars across Devon and Cornwall and they have found that one of the publics’ main concerns is people who put extra alcohol into their friends drinks without their knowledge, for fun or in a misguided attempt to improve their night out. This is still spiking and it’s invasive, irresponsible and very dangerous. Please don’t do it.”

What To Do If You Think You’ve Been Spiked

Devon & Cornwall Police advises anyone who believes they may have been spiked to tell a trusted friend, member of staff, or security straight away. Once safe, it should also be reported to police immediately to help capture evidence.

An online reporting service is available on the Devon & Cornwall Police website, where reports can be made at any time, even on behalf of someone else.

Inspector Tregaskes added:
“Spiking is not always linked to sexual offences or assaults but whatever the intention, the outcome leaves people feeling vulnerable and unsafe. We treat spiking with the same seriousness as other crimes, and we strongly encourage victims to report it to us online or by calling 101. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999. You will not get in trouble if you report spiking having knowingly consumed illegal drugs prior to the assault – we need to make sure you’re OK.”

More information about spiking and how to report it is available online, along with guidance for victims of sexual assault.