Dorset Police news site

Dorset Police is raising awareness of the signs of spiking and urging victims to seek support and report offences.

Spiking involves giving someone else drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission and can include drink spiking, needle spiking and vape or cigarette spiking.

Giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting and consented to is also spiking.

While rates of spiking in Dorset are low, the Force is seeking to raise awareness of the signs to look out for as the county prepares to welcome hundreds of new university students, many of whom may be living away from home for the first time.

This work includes working with hospital emergency departments as well as partners such as local councils, STARS Dorset and The Shores sexual assault referral centre.

Neighbourhood officers will also be attending a freshers’ event to officer advice around a range of policing issues including spiking.

Symptoms of spiking can include:

• Confusion and disorientation
• Nausea and vomiting
• Hallucinations and paranoia
• Poor co-ordination and vision
• An inability to communicate clearly
• Memory loss and blackouts

Detective Sergeant Simon Austin, of Dorset Police, said: “Spiking is a serious crime that can have a significant impact on victims but we want to make it clear that they are never to blame.

“One of the issues for potential victims is understanding the signs to look out for that they have been spiked.

“We are looking to raise awareness of these signs and are working with our partners in the health sector to encourage anyone who feels they may have been spiked to seek medical assistance and report the matter to police. Reporting early can improve the opportunities to gather evidence, with some drugs leaving the body within a very short space of time.

“Anyone who reports spiking will be listened to and taken seriously. We will do all we can to identify those responsible and perpetrators can face significant consequences, including a prison sentence of up to ten years.”

Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner David Sidwick said: "Spiking is a despicable crime that can have a significant and lasting impact on victims. Everyone has the right to enjoy a night out safely, and the responsibility for spiking always lies with the offender, never the victim.

"My office is committed to working with the police and partners across Dorset to raise awareness, support those affected and prevent these offences from happening in the first place.”  

More information about spiking and how to report it is on the Dorset Police website: https://www.dorset.police.uk/advice/advice-and-information/spiking-advice/spiking

Full information about what to do if you have been sexually assaulted can found on the Dorset Police website here: https://www.dorset.police.uk/ro/report/rsa/alpha-v1/advice/rape-sexual-assault-and-other-sexual-offences

You can report spiking by going to the Dorset Police website, clicking on ‘Report’ and selecting the ‘Spiking’ option or by calling 101.  If you or anyone else is in immediate danger call 999.