Police have issued an update following reports of spiking in December in West Cumbria.
People told police that they were concerned they had been spiked while out in Whitehaven and detectives said test results had now been received.
Officers said they have updated those reporting with the results, with one awaiting test results. The tests analysed showed no drugs present.
Cumbria police said: “The reports received were from people who had genuine concerns that they had been spiked, and we are aware there are continued concerns by the community following the reports.
“Detectives also carried out extensive CCTV enquiries to identify any suspicious behaviour at the locations they attended with nothing identified.”
Detective Superintendent Dan St Quintin, of Cumbria Constabulary, said “We are aware there could be concerns within the community following these reports and hope this update provides some reassurance.
“Those reporting rightly contacted us with their concerns and they have been thoroughly investigated. We continue to encourage anyone who believes they may have been spiked to contact us or seek help straight away.
“Officers continue to ask people to be vigilant and report suspicious activity to us.
“Police work closely with license premises in our communities and have active Pubwatch schemes, with local businesses also vigilant to activities and supporting us to keep people safe during the night-time economy.”
Spiking is giving someone else drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission.
For example:
- Drink spiking – adding drugs or alcohol to someone else’s drink.
- Needle spiking – injecting drugs into someone else’s body with a needle or auto-injector pen.
- Vape or cigarette spiking – giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette.
- Food spiking – adding drugs to someone’s food.
Giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting and had consented to is also spiking. For example, giving someone double shots instead of single ones.
It is sensible not to accept a drink from a stranger or leave your drink unattended. But sometimes people get spiked by people they know and trust too.
How to tell if someone has spiked you
It can be difficult to know if someone has spiked you.
The symptoms vary depending on what someone has spiked you with.
They can be similar to having excess alcohol.
If you start to feel strange or more drunk than you thought you should be, seek help straight away. If you feel seriously unwell, call 999 or ask someone to get you emergency medical assistance.
There is no right or wrong way to feel. Some victims need emergency medical assistance, others don’t. Whatever your situation, the police are here for you
Reporting attempted spiking
You can report attempted spiking to police, where a spiking attempt was disrupted before anyone became a victim. For example:
- If a drink has an unexpected smell, taste or colour.
- If you notice a tablet or powder in a drink.
- If you see someone trying to spike a drink.
- If someone tried to inject you with drugs but failed.
If you notice someone behaving suspiciously around a group they clearly don’t know, you can tell security or a member of staff, or report to police.
