Hampshire and Isle of Wight Constabulary are stepping up efforts to raise awareness of drink and needle spiking, with a new campaign running from Monday 15 to Sunday 21 September.
The campaign is aimed particularly at students returning to colleges and universities, encouraging early reporting, busting harmful myths, and making people aware of the signs and risks of spiking.
Between 1 September 2024 and 31 August 2025, the force received 169 reports of spiking – 120 related to suspected drink spiking and 20 to alleged needle spiking. Officers believe the true figure is likely to be higher, as spiking often goes unreported.
Why early reporting matters
Police stress that early reporting and forensic testing is crucial, as drugs pass through the body quickly and can be difficult to detect. Officers are continuing to work closely with licensed venues to train bar staff in how to respond and safeguard victims.
Superintendent Phil Lamb said:
“Spiking is an abhorrent crime and can have significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety.
“We take every report seriously and investigate thoroughly. Women and men should be able to enjoy a night out without fear of being spiked.”
Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones added:
“Spiking is not to be taken lightly. It’s malicious, dangerous and a criminal offence.
“If you think you’ve been spiked, or know someone who has, please report it to the police as soon as possible. You will be taken seriously, and it will be investigated thoroughly.”
Types of spiking include:
- Drink spiking – adding drugs or alcohol to someone else’s drink.
- Needle spiking – injecting drugs into someone’s body.
- Vape or cigarette spiking – lacing e-cigarettes or tobacco with drugs.
- Food spiking – adding drugs to food.
- Giving someone more alcohol than expected, such as a double instead of a single.
Busting common myths
- Not all spiking incidents lead to sexual assault.
- Alcohol, cocaine and ketamine are more common in spiking than so-called ‘date rape’ drugs.
- Self-test kits may miss many substances or extra alcohol – only forensic police tests can confirm.
- Victims are never to blame – spiking can happen whether they’ve been drinking, using drugs, or neither.
- Reporting spiking will not get someone in trouble if they have illegal drugs in their system (unless driving).
How to report
- Call 999 if a crime is in progress or someone is seriously unwell.
- For non-emergencies, call 101 or report online at www.hampshire.police.uk.
Spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison – with even longer sentences if linked to crimes such as sexual assault or robbery.