The number of reports of spiking has increased by 13% in a year
SHARE:
TW: Discussions of spiking
The Metropolitan Police have renewed calls for Londoners to stay vigilant and report spiking when it happens, amid a 13% increase in the city in a year.
The force said it received 1,383 allegations of spiking in 2023 – an average of more than 26 a week.
Their renewed warning has a particular focus on bars and clubs as their data show that 60% of spiking incidents happened in licensed venues, and the majority between 6pm and 6am.
Westminster had the highest number of reports and the police warned that men reported 40% of cases.
Vapes are also becoming part of the problem. The Metropolitan Police say they have seen an increase in illegal drugs in vapes and some reports of vapes being spiked, warning against sharing with others.
On the same day that the Metropolitan police issued their new warning, 24-year-old Natasha was on a night out in London with friends. At around 2am she suddenly collapsed and was taken to hospital in an ambulance where she was treated and tested.
This morning a doctor rang to tell her that they had found rohypnol, known as the ‘date rape drug’, in her system.
“I don’t really remember much – my friend said I just pretty much collapsed and was not responding. I woke up I think one to two hours later at the hospital. I’d already had my bloods done by the time I properly woke up and that’s when I started having an idea what was going on”
She says she is still feeling the effects of the drug in her body which the hospital have been supportive in helping her deal with.
“They rang me up once my other blood results had come back and talked me through what was happening to my body and if I wanted any support. They also offered me an internal exam once they found rohypnol in my system”
She says that its hard to know how to protect yourself and stop it from happening.
“Bag searches and things like that help but that doesn’t stop the original intentions of some men. Maybe greater education on the topic from a younger age on consent and why men choose to use such drugs”
In their push to tackle this issue, the Met Police has been working alongside charities Stamp Out Spiking and Drinkaware, as well as 850 venues across the city. This has included training programmes on how staff can react to reports of spiking.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs, from the Met’s Public Protection team has pledged to make London safer.
“Anyone enjoying a night out in London deserves to be safe and we’re determined to do everything we can protect the people from harm. We cannot tackle spiking alone and that’s why we’re working closely with charities, venues and businesses across London and beyond”
Dawn Dines, CEO and founder of charity Stamp Out Spiking also said that working together is the most important.
“Working collaboratively to educate and protect on all spiking related issues is going to give us the opportunity to safeguard and intercept perpetrators before these invisible crimes start affecting our communities.”
Stamp Out Spiking says that if you or a friend is suspected of being spiked, alert staff immediately or call 999 in an emergency. They also list the following as things to look out for when you suspect someone has been spiked:
confusion
nausea/vomiting
hallucinations and paranoia
disorientation
poor coordination
unconsciousness.
Submitted Article
Headline
Short Headline
Standfirst
Published Article
HeadlineMetropolitan Police issue warning on spiking in the capital
Short HeadlineMetropolitan Police issue warning about spiking
StandfirstThe Met Police have issued a new warning for Londoners to report spiking as cases increase.
TW: Discussions of spiking
The Metropolitan Police have renewed calls for Londoners to stay vigilant and report spiking when it happens, amid a 13% increase in the city in a year.
The force said it received 1,383 allegations of spiking in 2023 – an average of more than 26 a week.
Their renewed warning has a particular focus on bars and clubs as their data show that 60% of spiking incidents happened in licensed venues, and the majority between 6pm and 6am.
Westminster had the highest number of reports and the police warned that men reported 40% of cases.
Vapes are also becoming part of the problem. The Metropolitan Police say they have seen an increase in illegal drugs in vapes and some reports of vapes being spiked, warning against sharing with others.
On the same day that the Metropolitan police issued their new warning, 24-year-old Natasha was on a night out in London with friends. At around 2am she suddenly collapsed and was taken to hospital in an ambulance where she was treated and tested.
This morning a doctor rang to tell her that they had found rohypnol, known as the ‘date rape drug’, in her system.
“I don’t really remember much – my friend said I just pretty much collapsed and was not responding. I woke up I think one to two hours later at the hospital. I’d already had my bloods done by the time I properly woke up and that’s when I started having an idea what was going on”
She says she is still feeling the effects of the drug in her body which the hospital have been supportive in helping her deal with.
“They rang me up once my other blood results had come back and talked me through what was happening to my body and if I wanted any support. They also offered me an internal exam once they found rohypnol in my system”
She says that its hard to know how to protect yourself and stop it from happening.
“Bag searches and things like that help but that doesn’t stop the original intentions of some men. Maybe greater education on the topic from a younger age on consent and why men choose to use such drugs”
In their push to tackle this issue, the Met Police has been working alongside charities Stamp Out Spiking and Drinkaware, as well as 850 venues across the city. This has included training programmes on how staff can react to reports of spiking.
Detective Chief Superintendent Angela Craggs, from the Met’s Public Protection team has pledged to make London safer.
“Anyone enjoying a night out in London deserves to be safe and we’re determined to do everything we can protect the people from harm. We cannot tackle spiking alone and that’s why we’re working closely with charities, venues and businesses across London and beyond”
Dawn Dines, CEO and founder of charity Stamp Out Spiking also said that working together is the most important.
“Working collaboratively to educate and protect on all spiking related issues is going to give us the opportunity to safeguard and intercept perpetrators before these invisible crimes start affecting our communities.”
Stamp Out Spiking says that if you or a friend is suspected of being spiked, alert staff immediately or call 999 in an emergency. They also list the following as things to look out for when you suspect someone has been spiked:
