Drink spiking is adding a substance to someone’s drink without their knowledge.
Alcohol is the most common substance to be added, but illegal or legal drugs are used as well.
Spiking is illegal, and there are a number of different offences that such an action falls under.
Drinks are spiked for many reasons, but it is always a crime and should not be tolerated.
As well as drink spiking there has also been, in recent weeks, some reports of criminal activity involving needles being used to injure and/or inject customers.
Whilst the numbers of such reports remain low, they further underline that the need to ensure the welfare and safety of residents remains a key focus for everyone to work together to protect great nights out.
We take your safety seriously. We know that no blame lies with the victim only the perpetrator and will work to protect all residents from harm.
By working together, we can protect safe nights out in Hull and maintain safe drinking environments for everyone.
Venues in Hull have signed up to a pledge that they will -
- take all manageable steps to prevent spiking, in all forms, from happening within their premises
- provide safety covers and testing kits for drinks when requested
- ensure their staff are trained to -
- support customers if they suspect someone has been spiked
- support anyone who feels vulnerable
- follow the correct legal course of action at all times
- remove and report suspected perpetrators to the police
What to do if you think you've been spiked
If you think you have been spiked you must immediately tell someone you trust or a member of staff. Be careful of accepting help from strangers and never leave with a person you do not know.
If you need urgent help you should call 999.
If you feel unwell you should go, with someone you trust, to the nearest A&E department. Tell the medical staff that you think you have been spiked.
If you feel well make sure a trusted friend or relative can take you home and stay with you until the drugs have fully left your system.
Make sure you report to Humberside Police as soon as you can. They may ask you to provide blood and urine samples. Most drugs leave the body within 72 hours of being taken, but some take only 12 hours, so you should get tested as soon as possible.
If you are abroad, you can get help from -
- a travel representative
- local medical services
- hotel or bar staff
- police
Ways you can help to protect yourself
Together we can all help protect a great night out. Here are preventative measures you can use -
- never leave your drink unattended and keep an eye on your friends drinks
- use drink covers and testing kits that are available at the pledge bars
- stick with friends and people you trust
- don't accept a drink from someone you don't know
- don't give out your address to someone you've just met
- tell the staff or a trusted friend if you think your drink has been tampered with, do not drink it!
- before you go out tell someone where you are going and what time you will be home
- make sure you have planned your journey home in advance
- book your taxi in advance and have cash available to pay. Tell your friend or family member you are in your taxi
- if you are catching a bus home, make sure you know the bus times before you go out, stick with your friends and let someone you trust know you are home
- think about the risk of taking expensive equipment with you, if it could be a target for thieves
- if you are travelling abroad make sure you know the local area and where you can get help
Following this advice will make it very difficult for a potential drink spiker to target you.
If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, get help immediately.
Keeping others safe
If you see a spiking in action you should -
- report it to the bar staff or police
- keep the person safe
- isolate the drink for evidence
Symptoms of Spiking
The effects of drink spiking vary depending on what has been used. Symptoms could include -
- lowered inhibitions
- loss of balance
- feeling sleepy
- visual problems
- confusion
- nausea
- vomiting
- unconsciousness
The symptoms will depend on lots of factors such as -
- the substance or mix of substances and the dose
- the victims size and weight
- how much alcohol has been consumed
If you or a friend start to feel strange or more drunk than you should be, then get help straight away.
Spiking is illegal
Drink spiking is illegal and carries a sentence of up to ten years in prison. If other criminal behaviour has taken place, the sentence may be even longer. For rape the penalty can be life imprisonment. Offenders will also be placed on the sex offenders’ register.
Sign up to the Stop Spiking Hull pledge
If you are a bar or a place of hospitality, you can sign up to the pledge and receive your starter kit from Safer Hull Partnership which includes -
• testing kits
• drink covers
• posters
• staff training
To sign up to the pledge contact the Safer Hull Team at - CSandEarlyIntervention@hullcc.gov.uk