Spotting the signs as national spiking campaign launches

Resident,

15th September marks the beginning of National Spiking Awareness Week – a UK-wide initiative which spotlights the dangers of spiking and raises awareness of how it can happen and the impact.

Derby and Derbyshire remain safe places, but we will work to tackle and educate on spiking all year round. The week of intensification is a chance to put a spotlight on the issue, raise awareness and improve investigations into these often complex cases and work with partners to prevent spiking incidents happening.

We urge anyone to report any suspected incidents of spiking - and acting quickly is key. 

Signs of spiking in drinks:

Not all drinks change when spiked, but there are some signs that your DRINK may have been spiked and they might be:

Possible indicators for spiking through vapes:

Symptoms of spiking can include dizziness, confusion, vomiting, fatigue, memory loss and, for spiked vapes, shortness of breath and coughing.

Inspector Ben Frearson said “Whilst we are always working on the issue, this week is a great opportunity to open that conversation on how to prevent spiking as well as raise awareness.

“It is also a perfect time to continue looking at how reports are responded to and ways we can improve this further – with dedicated training for both ourselves and licensed premises.

“We know how frightening it can be if you think you’ve been spiked. If you suspect yourself or someone else has been spiked, please tell a member of bar staff or an officer on patrol. They will listen to you and ensure you get the care you need and should expect.

“The sooner you can tell someone, the better. When it comes to testing, it is absolutely your choice if this happens, but by coming to us early, this allows us many more forensic opportunities. Some substances can be really quick to leave the system, even if you’re still feeling the effects, so by coming to us early, there is a better chance of confirming exactly what has happened.”

“We are happy to say Derby and Derbyshire remains a safe place for a night out, but we will never become complacent and will always look to prevent this from happening in the first instance.”

You can report spiking through our dedicated spiking reporting tool online: Report spiking | Derbyshire Constabulary - or speak to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.

You can also use our website’s live chat function to speak with a call handler.

In an emergency, call 999.

1625 Outreach also provide non-judgemental, fact-based information and support surrounding drug and alcohol use, as well as the associated risks. Find out more online: 1625Outreach | Change Grow Live

and through their Instagram account: @1625_outreach.