A FREEDOM of information request has revealed that 39 incidents of spiking via injection, also known as 'needle spiking', have been reported since 2021 to Cumbria Police, though none have resulted in charges.

The request, submitted by the News & Star, shows there were four cases of needle spiking reported in 2021, 16 in 2022, 12 in 2023, and seven so far this year. All 39 reports have been investigated by police. 

Detective Inspector Mike Taylor, tactical lead on Violence Against Women and Girls, described spiking as an “abhorrent crime” that causes severe emotional and psychological harm to victims.

“Most cases of spiking don’t lead to sexual assault or theft. But spiking can cause severe distress, emotional harm and anxiety. It can take a long time to recover from someone spiking you," he said. 

“Victims can be male as well as female – but women are predominantly more likely to be targeted.

“Whatever the intention, the outcome is leaving women vulnerable and feeling unsafe.

“We therefore treat spiking with the same seriousness as other crimes relating to violence against women and girls.

“People reporting spiking frequently do so having been on a night out when it has happened," he said. 

Cumbria Police have responded by distributing anti-spiking kits through the Safer Streets Welfare Hubs and running awareness campaigns in partnership with the University of Cumbria.

The Safer Streets initiative, launched in 2022, has supported numerous vulnerable people in Carlisle’s nightlife scene.

The Carlisle welfare hub (Image: Cumbria Police)

“Police patrols are regularly in place during the busier times across the county’s night-time economy, with officers dedicated to identifying those displaying concerning or predatory behaviour," he said. 

The force also stressed the 'difficulty' in proving spiking incidents, representative of the figures, and the importance of prompt reporting.

"By reporting spiking offences at the earliest opportunity this provides police with the best chance of obtaining evidence and identifying the perpetrator.

Read more: Cumbria Police tackled nine needle spiking cases in two months

"If spiking offences are reported at the scene the offence took place we can seize essential evidence, e.g. drinks, CCTV, and if the victim of the spiking consents we would obtain blood and urine for forensic analysis, to prove what was used to spike the victim.

“Some drugs can leave the body within an hour. Therefore the sooner samples are obtained, the better the chance of identifying what the perpetrator has used to commit the offence.

“We would also like to know about any spiking incident, no matter how long ago it happened.

“Our main concern is to make sure the victim gets the support they need. Once the victim is well enough, we are here to support and investigate.

“One of the main points we would make to victims is: You are not to blame. This is never the fault of the victim.

“Sometimes people are afraid to speak to the police, perhaps thinking no one will believe them.

“You can tell us about spiking even if you don't want to go through with forensic testing and an investigation.

“No matter who you are, how long ago the spiking happened or what took place, our prime concern is to give you the support you need.”

What is spiking?

Spiking is defined as giving someone else drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission.

This can include drink spiking, needle spiking, vape or cigarette spiking, or food spiking, as well as giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting or have consented to.

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.


You can get more advice on spiking and report such instances here: Spiking | Cumbria Police