Students warned over rise in 'vape spiking' in Wales
The charity Crimestoppers is launching a nationwide campaign warning students about the dangers of vape and drink spiking.
The charity Crimestoppers is launching a new nationwide campaign targeting the 'escalating threats facing UK students'.
Recent data reveals that 3 in 5 students have been approached to become money mules - those who allow criminals to use their bank accounts for money laundering, often inadvertently- according to Crimestoppers.
This represents a 78% year-on-year increase in money mule activity among under-21s, with criminals specifically targeting financially pressured students.
Simultaneously, drink spiking affects 2.2% of UK adults annually - equivalent to approximately 1.2 million people.
Research by Drinkaware and Anglia Ruskin University found that 90% of drink spiking incidents go unreported to police, with half of victims stating they "didn't see the point" in reporting (source).
"Organised crime gangs are spiking vapes with illicit drugs"
In an interview with Greatest Hits South Wales, Hayley Fry, Crimestoppers Wales Regional Manager says they've noticed a rise in vape spiking.
Hayley said: "Organised crime gangs are spiking vapes with illicit drugs, which actually make the young person unconscious.
"Then they have vulnerability of assault, rape, something more serious.
"Vaping have been a real risk, and sadly, there have been incidents where where people have been spiked.
"So if you're going to vape, vape your own".
"The message is stay safe, don't use other people's vapes"
Haley continued saying it's becoming more and more difficult to test vapes to see if they've been spiked.
"Unless the law enforcement were able to get hold of the vapes and then they could analyse what's in there, and bring charges to that person.
"There is no taste difference, it wouldn't vape any different.
"Unfortunately, you wouldn't know until, sadly, you'd use the vape, and and potentially something could happen to you".
The campaign also addresses the rise in ketamine use among young people.
UK Government statistics show that ketamine use among 16-24 year olds has increased by 231% since 2013, with almost 25 tonnes consumed in England in 2024 - more than doubling from 10.6 tonnes in 2023.
Crimestoppers says robbery, theft and burglary targeting student accommodation remains significant, with electronics theft being particularly problematic.
Universities report varying crime rates, with some institutions experiencing over 20 crimes per 1,000 students.
The charity's full campaign, and what to do if you'd like to report a crime, can be found here.