Stay safe from spiking!

Singles want to have fun, relax, and go out without worries. One thing they must worry about, though, is spiking. Spiking is on the rise and is especially dangerous for people out socialising, with women most at risk. 

If you’ve ever seen an old 1940s film, you know they talk about “slipping someone a Mickey Finn”. That meant spiking a drink to render someone incapable of looking after themselves. Meaning this is not a new phenomenon.

Why do people spike drinks? 

Although more research needs to be conducted in this area, there has been a new “craze” for thinking it is funny to do it to someone. More ominously, and more commonly, people spike drinks so they can take advantage of their target. Largely because either they want to steal from them or they want to sexually abuse them. There have been other motivations in some cases.

Where is it most likely to happen?

The research shows it is most likely to happen in bars with nightclubs coming second place. Pretty much anywhere where people are partying, having fun, and have let their guard down.

Beware though, 80% of reported spiking occurred in such public places leaving 20% to occur in private places like house parties.

Traditional spiking involves slipping a chemical into someone’s drink. However, needle spiking is on the rise. This is where someone injects a person’s body with a drug. The statistics show that needle spiking is more common in nightclubs, one main reason might be that they tend to be darker than bars and other locations.

Who is most likely to get spiked?

Recent research from YouGov shows that 10% of women know or think they have been spiked compared to 5% of men. Women were the victims in 74% of reported offences. However, everyone should be aware they can be a potential victim.

In 2023 the police recorded 6732 reports of spiking with 957 related to needle spiking. The average age of victims, across all reports, was 26 years old.

What are the symptoms that you’ve been spiked?

Symptoms include:

Nausea and/or vomiting.

Confusion, poor co-ordination and disorientation.

Paranoia and hallucinations.

The inability to communicate well.

Memory loss.

Lowered inhibitions.

Is spiking against the law even if done for supposedly “fun”?

Any form of spiking is a crime. Those who are successfully convicted can face tough sentences under Section 24 of the Offences against the Person Act 1861. 

Examples of spiking include:

Without someone’s knowledge or permission, putting alcohol into what they believe to be a non-alcoholic drink.

Also, putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission.

Using a syringe to inject a person with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission.

Furthermore, putting prescription or illegal drugs into someone’s food without their knowledge or permission.

And also putting prescription or illegal drugs into a person’s cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission. 

How can you avoid drink spiking?

Police guidance gives many tips including the following. 

·       Party safely and socialise with trusted friends.

·       Buy your own drinks.

·       If you are at a venue that serves drinks, watch the bartender prepare your drink.

·       Never leave your drink unattended whether it's alcoholic or not. 

·       If possible, keep an eye on your friends' drinks.

·       Don’t accept a drink from someone you do not know.

·       Drink bottled drinks.

·       Avoid sharing drinks.

·       If a friend tells you they feel unwell, take them seriously, report it to the premises as well as the police, and get medical advice.

·       If you feel unwell tell a friend immediately and do as above.

Stay safe and happy dating, Pam x

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