Crime | Posted on September 16th, 2024 | return to news
Dorset Police launch campaign raising awareness of spiking
As new students move into the county for their university courses, Dorset Police are sending a message about the risks of food and drink spiking.
Dorset Police are launching a new campaign sending a message to anyone who thinks that it is okay to spike another person for “fun” or more sinister purposes, reminding them it is an abhorrent crime which can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims, and can have severe consequences for perpetrators.
Spiking is when someone does any of the following to someone without their knowledge or permission:
- Putting alcohol, prescription drugs, or illegal drugs into their drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Injecting them with prescription or illegal drugs
- Putting prescription or illegal drugs into their food
- Or putting prescription or illegal drugs into their cigarette or vape.
Between May 2022 and April 2023, the police nationally received 6,732 reports of spiking, but it is believed that spiking is under-reported. The majority of cases take place in the evening and night-time economy and most victims are women.
Spiking can have serious consequences and make somebody very ill, including causing confusion, disorientation, nausea and vomiting, hallucinations, and memory loss or blackouts.
The campaign will feature posters appearing in bars, pubs and clubs throughout the coming weeks, which highlight the consequences of spiking and advises people on how to report it to the police.
The campaign has been timed to launch in September, when hundreds of new students move into the area to begin college and university courses.
Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, the vulnerability lead for Dorset Police said: “Nationally, we often see a slight increase in reports of spiking during fresher’s weeks, so we are asking everyone to be aware when they are out, to look out for themselves and their friends.
“We would also like to make it very clear that victims are never to blame and Dorset Police will always listen and take reports of spiking seriously.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased this issue is being highlighted, especially in the month our county welcomes hundreds of new students to our towns.
“Spiking is a cowardly and sinister crime and is rightly taken very seriously by Dorset Police. There is a significant amount of work taking place in our towns with businesses and partners to ensure despicable crimes such as spiking, are tackled robustly and wherever possible, prevented.
“I want to be clear; the only person to blame for drink spiking is the perpetrator, never the victim. I strongly urge anyone who suspects they have been spiked, or knows someone who has, to report it to Dorset Police and help stamp out this appalling act.”
Anyone who thinks they may have been spiked, perhaps on an evening out, should tell a trusted friend or member of venue staff or security as soon as possible.
Anyone who is a victim of spiking should also report it to police immediately. There is now an online reporting service on the Dorset Police website which offers a fast route to report spiking. It doesn’t matter when the spiking happened, and you can report on behalf of others.
Detective Superintendent Wright added that spiking is not always linked to sexual offences or assaults, but it can happen to anyone. He said: “Whatever the intention, the outcome of spiking leaves people feeling vulnerable and unsafe, therefore we treat spiking with the same seriousness as other crimes. We strongly encourage victims to report it to us online or by calling 101. If anyone is in immediate danger call 999.”
For more information about spiking and how to report, visit the Dorset Police website.
Please share post:
LATEST NEWS:
CHARITY OF THE YEAR
Subscribe to the online magazine news letter
