By Aysu Bicer
LONDON (AA) – New Year’s revelers in the UK have been urged to report drink and needle spiking as soon as possible.
Nearly 5,000 spiking cases were reported in the 12 months to September, according to data released by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC).
“Ahead of New Year’s Eve parties, police are reiterating advice on what to do if you or someone you know may have been spiked – report to the police and get tested by them quickly,” the NPCC said in a statement on Thursday.
Spiking is when someone puts alcohol or drugs into another person’s drink or body without their consent or knowledge. This is illegal even if no other offence is committed.
The data showed the majority of reports (64%) were on weekends and 59% took place in pubs, bars and clubs, and 7% at private premises.
The average age of those reporting spiking incidents is 27, with the majority (74%) of victims identifying as female, the statement said.
A total of 800 of these spiking reports had been sent for forensic analysis up until the end of November, the NPCC said.
The most common drugs detected were cocaine, ketamine, and MDMA.
“Behind each of these reports is a frightened victim whose night out has turned into a nightmare. I know from talking to victims of spiking how utterly terrifying it can be,” said Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, the NPCC lead for Violence Against Women and Girls.
She said police have increased action against spiking with uniformed and covert operations in bars and clubs, working alongside venues to prevent and investigate spiking.
“Spiking is a complex and challenging offence to investigate. Drugs pass through the system quickly and there is often limited evidence to identify offenders, which means it’s not easy to get these cases to court,” she said.
“In order to have the best chance of identifying drugs and bringing offenders to justice, our message to anyone who thinks they have been spiked is to report early and be tested by the police.”