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Spiking

Our priority is to keep young people safe from harm and to ensure that you can exercise your freedom to enjoy a night out safely. 

You may be aware of the increased reporting of drink spiking and spiking by injection offences, and there have been some offences reported in Lancashire.

What is spiking?

Spiking, is when someone adds drugs or alcohol to another person’s drink without them knowing. It is illegal.

There have also been cases, where people have been injected with a needle, with possible date-rape drugs.

This is taken extremely seriously by the police.

I think I’ve been spiked. What should I do?

If you or your friends start to feel strange or unwell then you should get help and seek medical advice straight away.

If you think you have been a victim of spiking, please contact the police immediately. This allows appropriate tests and enquiries to be conducted.

In Lancashire, Police Officers and staff patrol the night-time economy so please do not hesitate to speak to any of the officers if you have any concerns.

Licensed premises security staff and management can also be approached to assist you if you have any concerns.

Here’s how to report something to the police:

Call 999
In emergencies
Call 111
In non-emergencies

Report an incident via Lancashire Constabulary

Three ways to stay vigilant

Don’t lose sight of your drink

Never leave your drink unattended, even for a few minutes. If it doesn’t taste right, don’t finish it.

It can take minutes for someone to feel the effects of a spiked drink. Memory loss can be a side effect of the drugs used to spike drinks. Victims can be unaware of what has happened to them, and have very little memory of the incident, if any at all. Not sure? Chuck it.

Be aware of strangers

When you go out, you never know who you’re going to meet. If someone appears to be over-friendly and eager to get you to drink, be vigilant.

If you get separated from your friends in a bar, pub or club, let them know where you are. If you happen to meet a new person, introduce them to your friends. If they suggest to go somewhere else, remember to tell your group where you’re going.

Stay safe with friends

If you’re out with a friend, or friends, look out for each other. If they appear to be more drunk than you’d expect, dizzy or slurring their words, make sure they’re okay. If you’re concerned, make sure they either get medical help or get home safely.

Edge Hill is working closely with several partner agencies and licensed premises to ensure as our students, you are kept safe when you’re out.