Police urge students to remain aware of spiking dangers as universities return for freshers' week
It's being found people are not only being spiked by their drinks spiked but also through needles, food and vapes
Police are urging people to remain aware of the dangers around spiking as universities return for freshers' week.
It's being found that people are now also being spiked by the form of vapes, food and needles.
Hampshire has seen 169 reports of spiking in the past year, but the police say they believe it's under-reported and more data collection is needed to gain an accurate picture of scale and offending.
Superintendent Phil Lamb, Force Lead for Neighbourhood policing, Night-Time Economy and Safer Streets, said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime and can have significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety.
"Each year we receive a small number of reports of spiking, with a small but notable increase in the Summer and Autumn.
"We are not always able to determine the reasons why a perpetrator carries out an assault in this way, and it may not always be for a sexual purpose.
"However; It can put people at significant risk of harm, and we will take every report seriously and investigate thoroughly.
“We continue to work proactively within the night-time economy, including covertly to target predatory behaviour and safeguard victims from harm.
"We have well established partnerships with licenced premises and educational institutions all of which help us to both prevent and respond to offences being committed.
"Women, and men, should be able to enjoy a night out without fear of being spiked and all pubs, clubs and other venues we work with strive to ensure they are a safe space for all.
“The early reporting of spiking and testing is key as drugs can pass through the system quickly.
"Self-testing kits, which are available across night-time economy sites in our area are a positive tool, but they do not test for all drugs and people should be mindful of this."
Police are encouraging people who believe they may have been spiked to report the incident to them.