There were 670 reports of spiking by injection in term one alone

There were 670 reports of spiking by injection made to the police in the first term of this uni year.

The National Police Chiefs’ Council found that from the start of September until 6th December 2021, there were 670 reports of spiking by injection made to police forces across the country.

Last year, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said there had been 56 reports of spiking by injection made to police forces across the UK in September and October – significantly lower than the number of 670 reports by the time of December 6th.

Several arrests have been made across the country in the past few months, it has been confirmed, with police forces continuing investigations. Any reports made to the police are thoroughly investigated, the National Police Chiefs’ Council said.

They also said the number of 670 reports shows the incidents reported to the police, rather than necessarily confirmed incidents of crimes.

In some cases, drink spiking allegations can’t be proven due to forensic issues, because the substances used may quickly dissipate.

A National Police Chiefs’ Council spokesman said: “The substances used to spike drinks dissipate quickly and unfortunately, in a number of cases, due to delays in reporting these events, an allegation of drink spiking cannot actually be proven due to forensic difficulties.”

Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin, National Police Chiefs’ Council Lead for Drugs, said: “Tackling the issue of spiking remains a priority for policing and our national coordination and analysis of reports is ongoing. Alongside this, forces are continuing with their investigations, and we’ve seen action being taken, with several arrests across the country in the past few months.”

Continuing, Deputy Chief Constable Jason Harwin said: “We would encourage anyone who believes they have been a victim or witness to spiking, in any form, to contact their local police force. Reports of spiking will be investigated and taken seriously.

“You should try and report it to police as quickly as possible to help officers carry out tests and gather the best evidence. Criminal activity can also be reported anonymously via CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111.”

If you or someone you know has been affected by this story, please head to Drinkaware for more information on drink spiking. You can call Victim Support on 08 08 16 89 111 or find help via their website. If you’ve got a story you’d like to share with us, get in touch in confidence by emailing izzy@thetab.com

Related stories recommended by this writer:

• Spiking happens more at house parties than in clubs, so why does no one talk about it?

• Over 2,600 young people believe they’ve been spiked already this term

• Only 37 people found guilty and convicted of spiking attacks in four years

Stock featured image before edits via Hudson Hintze on Unsplash