Cambridgeshire Police are aiming to make nightlife safer for freshers with more actions to tackle spiking
The force received more than 350 drink spiking reports between 2018 and 2024
Cambridgeshire police are stepping up efforts to enhance safety for new students going out for freshers week by increasing measures against drink spiking.
It comes after a Freedom of Information request shows they logged over 350 instances of drink spiking between 2018 and 2024.
Officers will be out across Cambridge and Peterborough city centres on both high-visibility and plain-clothed patrols.
They’ll be working closely with licensed venues, universities, and local authorities to raise awareness, challenge suspicious behaviour, and tackle spiking head-on.
It can leave victims confused, vulnerable and traumatised
Inspector Ed McNeill, from Cambridgeshire Police, said:
“Spiking is an incredibly serious offence, and alcohol-based spiking is no exception. It’s often dismissed or even seen as a joke, but it can leave victims confused, vulnerable and traumatised."
“If someone gives you a double when you asked for a single, that’s spiking. It’s about consent and removing that consent is a crime."
“We want people to know that if they’ve been spiked – whether with alcohol, drugs or both – it’s not their fault. We’re here to help, not to judge."
“This campaign is about confronting perpetrators and making it clear that spiking has consequences. It has no place in Cambridgeshire.”
It has no place in Cambridgeshire
The force is working in partnership with Anglia Ruskin University, Peterborough City Council and Peterborough Positive to target messages and improve safety measures.
DrinkSafe covers will be available at venues across Peterborough due to funding secured by the city council, to prevent drink tampering.
Dr Raj Lakshman, Director of Public Health, Peterborough City Council, said:
“We are fully committed to working with our partners, including the police, to help raise awareness of drink spiking as part of our ongoing work to keep our communities safe."
“Whilst the chances of being spiked are low, we would urge people to always remain vigilant when on nights out or at social events."
"If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, it is vitally important to seek help straight away."
"If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance.”