There has to be zero tolerance to spiking

Police and Crime Commissioner, Joy Allen explains in her own words why spiking, in all its forms, must be treated with the seriousness it deserves.  Which is why keeping people safe, preventing harm and holding offenders to account sit at the heart of her Police, Crime and Justice Plan.

I recently chaired a spiking round table in Durham, bringing together police and crime commissioners, senior policing leaders and partners from across the North-east. We were joined by colleagues from the Home Office Violence Against Women and Girls Centre, campaigners from Stamp Out Spiking, and representatives from universities and the night-time economy.

Research carried out in Durham shows that almost half of students believed spiking was a “big issue,” with a further quarter saying it remained a concern even if not the main one. In total, around seven in ten students saw spiking as a real problem.  These figures represent fear, vulnerability and a loss of confidence that must be addressed.

Nationally, reports of spiking have risen sharply, but many incidents still go unreported. Victims may fear they will not be believed, blame themselves, or worry about what will happen if they come forward.

One of the challenges is misunderstanding what spiking is. Many people still believe it only involves drugs being slipped into drinks. Spiking also includes deliberately adding extra alcohol to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent – such as doubling measures or topping up a glass while encouraging someone to drink more.

Alcohol is a drug, and both forms of spiking are equally dangerous and equally criminal. Spiking is frequently linked to other serious offences, including sexual violence, robbery and assault. In the most serious cases, it can be life-threatening.

Responsibility always lies with the perpetrator – never the victim.

Durham Constabulary advises that if you think you or someone you are with has been spiked, you should:

• Get to a safe place immediately.
• Stay with people you trust.
• Tell a friend or venue staff.
• Seek medical help if you feel unwell.
• Never go home alone.
• If symptoms are severe or urgent, always call 999.

Reports can be made online using the dedicated spiking reporting tool, by calling 101, or at a police station.  If someone is in immediate danger, call 999.

I have consistently pressed for spiking to be taken more seriously. By calling it out for what it is and by working together, we can make our night-time economy safer and send a clear message that spiking will not be tolerated and those responsible will be pursued and held accountable.

Ends

‍