Hampshire Police issue student spiking warning
Students are heading to universities across the country over the coming weeks
Last updated 16th Sep 2024
Students heading to universities across Hampshire, and their families, are being advised to be aware of the risks of spiking ahead of Freshers' Week.
Many will be heading to bars and clubs in Winchester, Southampton and Portsmouth ahead of the new academic year.
Newly-released figures show that the number of spiking incidents reported to Hampshire Police has more than halved between autumn 2021 and the same period last year.
There were 91 offences reported to police between August and December last year, compared with 212 in the same time period two years prior.
Officers say they have been working with venues and Students Unions across the county to make sure they are 'spike aware' and able to care for victims who report being attacked.
In addition, they are urging people to call the police if they believe themselves, or someone they know, has been spiked.
Caution
Violence Against Women and Girls lead for Hampshire & Isle of Wight Constabulary, Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, said:
"We recognise that drink spiking is a big concern among students and the wider local communities where our local universities are based.
"We want to offer reassurances that our licencing teams – along with the local policing teams – have been working tirelessly to further develop our understanding of spiking incidents across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.
"The most important element on a night out, whether that is in the night time economy or during a Student Union run event, apart from looking out for one another is never to leave your drink unattended – whether it’s alcoholic or not.
"Likewise, we would urge extreme caution about accepting a drink from someone you do not know – it has the potential to have devastating consequences if your drink is spiked in the process."
The force has also made clear that it will continue to take action against those who target vulnerable girls and women on nights out.
Those found guilty of spiking could face up to ten years' imprisonment and may be placed on the sex offenders' register.
Supt. Jenkins added:
“We are making a plea for members of the public not to be a bystander to any suspected spiking incidents – whether that be involving a woman or a man – make a conscious decision to speak up and out.
"We would implore people to report any incidents to venue staff or offer up information about those responsible directly to the police if they suspect anything untoward has occurred.
"We are absolutely clear that we do not tolerate any form of spiking at all. Individuals who are going out intending to behave in this way in our local communities will be found, will be stopped and will be brought to justice via the criminal justice system."