Dorset Police say spiking is an 'abhorrent' crime that has a 'traumatic' impact
Students and partygoers in Dorset are being told to ‘watch out for spiking’ as incidents rise during fresher’s week
Last updated 17th Sep 2024
Dorset Police are working with night-time venues to crackdown on spiking offences during fresher’s week.
Victims are being advised to reach out to bar staff or bouncers if they feel they have been spiked.
Detective Superintendent Neil Wright said: “Just in case anyone is in any doubt, any form of spiking is illegal and the consequences for anyone found to have spiked another person in any way can be severe, including long custodial sentences.
“We would also like to make it very clear that victims are never to blame and Dorset Police will always listen and take reports of spiking seriously.”
Research has found incidents of spiking typically rise over the course of fresher’s week across the country so Dorset Police are urging students to “be aware” and “look for themselves and their friends”.
Between May 2022 and April 2023, there were 6,732 reports of spiking un the UK, but it is believed that spiking is underreported.
According to research, 80% of spiking cases aren’t shared with the majority of victims being women targeted in the night-time economy.
Detective Superintendent Neil Wright told us: “Dorset police take any offence that involves violence towards women and girls very, very seriously and it remains a force priority.
“We would like assure residents that if you call us, you will be listened to, you will be heard, and officers will investigate those offences.”
Dorset Police and Crime Commissioner, David Sidwick said: “I am pleased this issue is being highlighted, especially in the month our county welcomes hundreds of new students to our towns.
“Spiking is a cowardly and sinister crime and is rightly taken very seriously by Dorset Police. There is a significant amount of work taking place to ensure despicable crimes such as spiking are tackled.”
There is now an online reporting service on the Dorset Police website which offers a fast-time route to report spiking.
The force urge anyone who is a victim of spiking to report it to police immediately to give the best chances of capturing evidence.
Detective Superintendent Wright noted: “You will not get in trouble if you report spiking and have knowingly consumed illegal drugs. Unless you’re driving, having illegal drugs in your system is not an offence and should not prevent someone reporting - we will want to make sure you’re OK.”
It doesn’t matter when the spiking happened, and you can report on behalf of others to Dorset Police.