Supporting national work to tackle spiking

Officers in Derbyshire will be out and about supporting a national campaign to tackle spiking.

The campaign, coordinated by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC), is a chance to create a better insight into these often complex cases, improve investigations and work with partners to prevent spiking incidents happening.

With a total of 16 cases reported in Derbyshire since the beginning of 2024, a figure which is just below the average number of reports in the region, both Derby city and the county remains a safe place for a night out.

However, the prevention work done by officers is an important part of the force’s work and to bolster this, we are supporting this national campaign.

Across the week, we will be working alongside our partners at 1625 Outreach to:

• Hand out drink covers and bottle toppers to licensed premises
• Hand out infographic beer mats
• Explore dedicated spiking training
• Have a team of dedicated officers patrolling on nights out
• Provide answers to some common myths and facts around spiking

T/ Detective Chief Inspector Jim Carver, the force’s lead for spiking and substance misuse, said: “Whilst we’re pleased to say reports of spiking are relatively uncommon in Derbyshire, we will never become complacent and will always look to prevent this from happening.

“Supporting this campaign is a great opportunity for us to look at how we can prevent spiking as well as raise awareness. For example, a lot of people might not know that spiking doesn’t just relate to drugs – it can include someone slipping more alcohol into your drink.

“It is also a perfect time to continue looking at how reports of spiking are responded to and ways we can improve this further – with dedicated training for both ourselves and licensed premises.

“We know how frightening it can be if you think you’ve been spiked. If you suspect you have, please tell a member of bar staff or an officer on patrol – who will listen to you and ensure you get the care you need and should expect.”

You can also report spiking through our dedicated spiking reporting tool online: Report spiking | Derbyshire Constabulary