Spiking Awareness and Prevention
Spiking is a serious crime that can put lives at risk. It means giving someone drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission. This page explains what spiking is, where it happens, and how venues can help prevent it.
What is Spiking?
Spiking involves secretly adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink, food, or even administering substances through other means. It can have dangerous and long-lasting effects.
Where Does Spiking Happen?
Spiking can happen anywhere.
According to data from the National Police Chiefs’ Council, most spiking incidents – around 80% – occur in public places, especially nightlife venues:
- Almost half of reported incidents happened in a bar
- Nightclubs were the next most common location
Spiking can also occur at festivals, sporting or music events, workplaces, and even at home.
Examples of Spiking
- Drink spiking – adding drugs or alcohol to someone’s drink.
- Needle spiking – injecting drugs into someone’s body with a needle or auto-injector pen.
- Vape or cigarette spiking – giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette.
- Food spiking – adding drugs to someone’s food.
How Venues Can Help
Operators of licensed premises should take steps to safeguard customers and keep venues secure. This includes:
- Training staff to be vigilant and identify problems before they occur.
- Preparing staff to respond to suspected spiking incidents.
- Supporting individuals who may have been spiked.
Further Guidance and Free Training
The Government has published guidance for venues with advice on preventing spiking and helping victims. It also includes free training for staff, posters, and social media materials for use on premises:
Industry bodies such as UKHospitality, National Pub Watch, and the Institute of Licensing have developed guidance:
Devon and Cornwall Police have produced some guidance on spiking, including details of how it can be reported: