Spiking is getting 'swept under the rug' says Wolverhampton security company
Police forces are marking anti-spiking intensification week
A bar security company in Wolverhampton says spiking is getting 'swept under the rug' as they prepare for an increase in incidents.
TLG Security told us they tend to see more instances of the crime when university students return to campus.
What is spiking?
Spiking is when someone is giving drugs or alcohol, without their permission.
Examples include drink spiking, cigarette or vape spiking, needle spiking and food spiking.
It is sensible not to accept a drink from a stranger or leave your drink unattended. Officials warn you can also get spiked by people you know and trust too.
'Hard to put a stop to it'
Joe Harris from TLG Security told us university freshers week brings an increase in all kinds of incidents, including spiking:
"Some bars encourage pub crawls and binge drinking which can create a bad environment when people are really intoxicated.
"Spiking needs a heavier focus, it is such an easy thing for people to do. It is hard to put a stop to it," he said.
Anti-spiking intensification week...
Police forces are marking anti-spiking intensification week at the moment (15 September – 19 September).
Forces across the country are working with pubs and clubs to target predatory behaviour and safeguard victims from harm.
Officers will also be using covert tactics to target predatory behaviour.
'On par with New Year's Eve'
80% of spiking incidents take place in pubs or nightclubs.
Joe said: "You see a lot of club nights pop up now as people going into the indoors as we lose the sunshine.
"You could say this time of year is on par with New Year's Eve and Christmas," he said.
What should I do if I have been spiked?
- If you feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away.
- Call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency assistance. if you feel seriously unwell.
- You can report spiking if your drink had an unexpected taste or colour, if you notice a tablet or powder in your drink and if you see someone attempting to spike a drink.