Police target night-time economy to tackle spiking

Wiltshire Police is increasing activity in the night-time economy as part of a national week of action to tackle spiking.

Between September 1st, 2023 and September 11th, 2024 there were 72 reports of spiking across the county. However, it is believed that spiking is under-reported, in part due to harmful myths and stereotypes which can prevent victims from coming forward.

The week of action, which runs Monday, September 16 to Sunday, September 22, aims to improve police investigations into spiking, which is often a complex and challenging offence to investigate because drugs pass through the system quickly, and there is often limited evidence to identify offenders.

Early reporting and police forensic testing is key, which is why forces have been working with licensed venues to train bar staff in how to handle spiking in their premises. Neighbourhood officers have also visited town centres and universities to encourage people enjoying nights out to be vigilant to the symptoms of spiking and report it to police straightaway, should it happen to them or a friend.

Detective Inspector Troy Smith said: "Spiking can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety in the night-time economy, particularly for women and girls.

“Spiking is a complex offence to investigate, which is why quick reporting and early evidence gathering is key, particularly police forensic testing. It’s really important that young people in particular are aware of the symptoms of spiking and feel confident in reporting it to the police, should it happen to them or someone they know.

“It’s also important to remember that the most common substance used in spiking incidents is actually alcohol, so, adding extra shots at the bar or adding more alcohol to an unattended drink. Even if this is just done as a prank and there is no intention by the spiker to cause harm to the victim, this is no laughing matter – the subject of this prank will not know what’s happening to them and this can cause significant trauma. Also, we know that predatory offenders actively hunt for vulnerable people, attempting to groom and isolate victims before offending against them. People really need to understand the danger they are exposing others to should they add substances to their friends’ drinks.

"We continue to work closely with licensed premises and our partners across the county through initiatives like Project Vigilant - where officers have been deployed in plain clothes and uniform as part of a drive to spot the signs of predatory behaviour. We have been working with venues across the county to build greater understanding and thoroughly investigate all reports we receive. 

“Our approach is very much perpetrator focused and based around making the night-time economy a hostile place for those thinking of committing offences. Any reports of spiking will be investigated and taken seriously.” 

A young man, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes he was spiked on a night out in Warminster a few years ago. He says: "I knew I wasn’t drunk as I have had my fair share of drunken nights out and this time I felt extremely tired and drowsy, which was odd.

"At the time I thought it may have been some bad food that I had eaten or potentially an “off” barrel of cider as that’s what I had primarily been drinking. However, as the night progressed I had constant waves of tiredness, I was really struggling to stay awake and talk to the people I was with, so I had to call it an early night and reluctantly went home. At home it felt like I passed out as I don’t recall falling asleep and slept really deeply which didn’t feel usual after I’ve been out before. 

"When I look back on the night, I am fairly certain that it wasn’t bad food or even a bad keg but that something must’ve happened to a drink I had at some point. I can only assume that it was aimed at someone I was with, because I accidentally swapped drinks with a girl by mistake after they were ordered at a busy bar.  I can’t pinpoint that this is the drink that started everything, but I’m pretty sure it was."

On this occasion the man did not report the incident to the police. Wiltshire Police are urging people to get in touch if they do believe they have been spiked, and seek medical attention.

What should I do if I think I’ve been spiked? 
 
Call 999 or 101 to report it to the police. We need to know about every possible spiking  so we can investigate, even if no other crime has taken place. If you are out in a bar or  club, you can report to a member of staff, who will be able to help and support you. 

If you are injured or have symptoms you are worried about after being spiked, call NHS 111.  

If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support. At a SARC you can receive a medical or forensic examination (whether or not you decide to report to the police).  

If you’ve been affected by crime and you need confidential support or information, you can also call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111. 

What happens when I am tested? 

 Police will take a non-invasive urine sample. Some drugs leave the body in a very short time (within 12 hours), so it’s important to test as soon as possible. Other drugs remain in the body longer, so testing will be considered up to seven days after the incident. The test the police use is the most effective way of finding out whether you have been spiked.  

If you are tested in a hospital or by your GP, you will need to also have a police test, as this is what can be used as evidence to support charges or convictions.  

If you tell the police how much you have drunk and whether you have voluntarily taken drugs, we will be able to provide a more accurate result. It is not a crime to have illegal drugs in your system (unless you are driving), so please don’t let this stop you reporting spiking. 

The test results will come back in three weeks and will be discussed with you. 

Myth busting

• Not all offences lead to sexual assault or rape, in fact most recorded offences did not lead onto a second offence.
• Spiking is most likely to involve alcohol or drugs such as cocaine and ketamine, rather than ‘date rape’ drugs, therefore common testing kits which most often test for GHB and Rohypnol are not always effective at determining whether a drink has been spiked.
• Perpetrators can be friends, colleagues or acquaintances of the victim, and are not always strangers.
• Spiking victims have not always had ‘too much to drink’, and in some cases they may have been spiked with more alcohol and have unwillingly consumed more than they think. But spiking happens regardless of whether the victim had willingly had a few drinks or took illegal drugs on a night out – or none at all. The victim is never to blame.
• You will not get in trouble if you report spiking and have knowingly consumed illegal drugs. Unless you’re driving, having illegal drugs in your system is not an offence and should not put someone off from reporting.

More information can be found here: Spiked drinks and date-rape drugs | Crime prevention | Wiltshire Police