Dorset Police has warned that anyone found guilty of spiking drinks, food and cigarettes or vapes can go to prison for up to ten years.
It’s described the crime as ‘abhorrent’ and says it can have a significant and traumatic impact on victims.
Spiking is when someone does any of the following to someone without their knowledge or permission:
- Putting alcohol or 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
- Putting prescription or illegal drugs into their cigarette or vape
Detective Superintendent Neil Wright, the Vulnerability lead for Dorset Police said: “Just in case anyone is in any doubt, 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.”
“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.”
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 to give the best chances of capturing evidence.
An online reporting service on the Dorset Police website offers a fast-time route to report spiking and prompts specific questions to capture evidence for spiking cases .
It doesn’t matter when the spiking happened, and you can report on behalf of others.
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.
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.”