Lancashire Police take part in spiking pilot to increase victim testing
They want to make urine spiking tests more accessible
Police and partner agencies in Lancaster and Blackpool are taking part in a pilot project aimed at improving their response to spiking incidents.
Project Alliance hopes to increase the number of urine samples obtained from victims following a suspected spiking incident.
The initiative is being led by the National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP) and funded by the Home Office.
It will aim to make tests more accessible for victims.
They're currently only available from the police and NHS.
From 1st April, tests will be available from locations including health centres, hotels and nightclubs.
Lancashire Police say a new webpage has been created on their website, so potential victims can find out where to get a kit.
According to Home Office statistics, only around 8% of reported spiking incidents in the UK result in a forensic sample being taken and submitted for testing.
Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Hammond, VAWG delivery lead at the NCVPP, said: “We hope that by providing direct access to testing we will empower victims with a choice over the support they receive and help them get answers. If something doesn’t feel right, then please seek support and come forward for a test.
“Spiking has a significant impact of feelings of safety, particularly for women and girls, and we are absolutely focused on tackling it. It is, therefore, crucial that we know and understand when and where it is happening, so we can use that intelligence to prevent further cases and disrupt offenders.”
The pilot is running from 1st March 2026- 31st May 2026.
At the end, NCVPP will carry out an evaluation.