Spiking

Process - what to do after you've arrived at one of our partner sites to collect your testing kit

• Step 1 - Provide your crime reference number and collect your kit (Please do not take the kit away from the site)

• Step 2 - The process

  • Urination is not witnessed

  • Fill the pot about three quarters of the way full using the beaker provided in the kit

  • Seal it with the screw cap and place one of the wadding pieces inside around the plastic tube and press on a lid tightly in case it leaks

• Step 3 - Bagging

  • Place each pot into its own small tamper-proof bag

  • Seal the bag

  • Write the time and date on the bag and in the exhibit reference number write the box seal number which begins F22…(you should find this underneath the tape to package the box)

  • Place small bag(s) into the large tamper-proof bag and seal

• Step 4 - Completion of details on tamperproof bags & consent form

  • Organisation: Force area example: Nottinghamshire

  • Description of exhibit: This is the security seal number on the outside of each box and begins F22

  • Recovered/obtained from: This is the reference number you were provided when reporting spiking

  • Recovered/obtained by: This is the name of the organisation you have visited i.e. Cripps Health Centre, University Park, Nottingham, NG7 2QW

  • Time/Date recovered/obtained: Please write in the space available as an example:

    • Sample 1 M38845724 22/03/26 13:31

    • Sample 2 M38845723 22/03/26 14:40  

The M numbers above are the barcode numbers on the individual smaller tamperproof bags.

• • Operation Name: Project Alliance

• Step 5 - Handover to the staff at site for storage in the fridge

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We understand that it might be difficult to report this type of crime to us. But we're here to listen and support you in any way we can.

We would like to know about any spiking incident, no matter how long ago it happened. Our main concern is to make sure that the victim gets the support they need. Once the victim is well enough, we are here to support and investigate what happened.

Your spiking report enables us to launch this investigation and prevent others from being spiked. But even if someone spiked you more than four days ago, it also helps us build a better picture of how much spiking really goes on and where. Even if we might not always be able to identify and find the person who spiked you.

What is spiking?

Spiking is a serious crime when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without them knowing or agreeing.

People can also be the victims of ‘needle spiking’, which is injecting someone with drugs without their consent.

Spiking can happen to anyone anywhere – no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity. It can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.

Other forms of spiking include vape or cigarette spiking (giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette) and food spiking (adding drugs to someone's food).

Giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting and consented to is also spiking. For example, giving someone double shots instead of single ones.

How to tell if someone has spiked you

It can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you. The symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with. They can be similar to having excess alcohol.

If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance.

There is no right or wrong way to feel. Some victims need emergency medical assistance, others don't. Whatever your situation, we are here for you.

It can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you. But if you feel strange or like you've had more alcohol to drink than you actually have, then get help straight away.

If you feel unwell, you should seek medical attention. Tell them that you believe someone has spiked you. Call an ambulance if the symptoms get worse.

You are not to blame

Sometimes people are afraid to speak to the police. For example, because they took illegal drugs or were drinking alcohol before someone spiked them. Sometimes they have little or no recollection of what happened. They may have a criminal record and worry that the authorities won’t treat them fairly. They might worry that no one will believe them.

No matter who you are, how long ago the spiking happened or what took place, our prime concern is to give you the support you need. We will listen, treat your report seriously and guide you through the investigation process.

Tips and advice to keep you safe from drink spiking

• Never leave your drink unattended whether it’s alcoholic or not and if you can, keep an eye on your friends' drinks
• Be careful about accepting a drink from someone you do not know
• Think about drinking bottled drinks and avoid sharing drinks
• Always make sure you know how you are getting home and only use reputable means of transport. Where possible, have your taxi home booked in advance
• If you think your drink has been tampered with, don't drink it – tell a trusted friend or relative and police as soon as you can
• If you see suspicious activity report it to staff or police.

Be vigilant if you're drinking with strangers

It is important to be aware of your surroundings and to be vigilant if you are drinking or socialising with people you do not know.

• Be cautious if someone appears to be over-friendly and eager to get you to drink
• If you get separated from your friends in a bar, pub or club, let them know where you are
• If you happen to meet someone new and they ask you to go on somewhere else, introduce them to your friends and tell them where you’re going
• Look out for each other - if you're out with a friend or group, look out for each other. If a friend appears unwell, dizzy or incapacitated, stay with them, seek medical help and contact police straight away

Did you know?

• Last year a total of 140 spiking offences were reported to Nottinghamshire Police
• Most victims were young women, with the majority of whom were aged 18-21
• We also received reports of young men being spiked too
• Spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison. If a robbery, sexual assault or other crime took place, the sentence may be even longer

Key advice

If you or someone else is injured, in immediate danger or you need support right away in an emergency, call 999 now.

Otherwise, victims can report an incident by calling us on 101 or report online here.

For more advice on spiking, including how to report incidents and where you can get medical help, support and advice, click here.

If you think you’ve been sexually assaulted, you can go to your nearest sexual assault referral centre (SARC) for specialist care and support. At a SARC you can receive a medical or forensic examination (whether or not you decide to report to the police).

But if you don't want to talk to the police, or if you want extra support, there are lots of other support organisations who can help. For more details click here.

If you wish to report spiking incidents anonymously you can do so via Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or by visiting their website.