ITV Tonight programme reveals new data on spiking in the UK

This data suggests the true scale of spiking may be significantly underreported, with many victims choosing not to report incidents to authorities.

While nearly 7,000 incidents were officially reported in England and Wales in 2023, the survey data shared with Tonight indicates that this number may represent only a fraction of actual cases. Among nearly 600 respondents, just 26 per cent said they had reported their experience to police, suggesting the total could be four times higher than official figures show.

The programme, entitled Spiking: How Safe is Your Night out?, features individuals directly impacted by spiking, including 57-year-old Nikki Garnett, who shares her story of suddenly losing control in a public setting. She recalls being unable to speak or move properly, after her drink was spiked while onlookers assumed she was simply intoxicated. Her experience, echoed by many others, highlights both the psychological impact of spiking and the variety of those affected.

In response to Nikki Garnet’s story, Northumbria Police told ITV that it is committed to supporting victims and carrying out investigations, as well as deploying a Safe Haven van at weekends with police and ambulance staff and extra officers on patrol in the city centre.

The survey also shows that spiking methods vary widely, with 83 per cent of victims reporting their drink was tampered with, and nearly seven per cent reporting injection-based spiking. Nearly 50 per cent of victims did not know why they had been spiked – there was no other crime.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Harbour from Sussex Police adds context to these findings, explaining that while spiking is sometimes linked to other crimes, many cases appear to be carried out “for sport” or other unclear motives.

The programme also examines the legal complexities surrounding spiking. Currently, spiking offences are addressed under seven different laws, making prosecution challenging. Additionally, the Tonight survey data reveals only three per cent of reported cases proceeded to prosecution, with even fewer ending in conviction.

Campaigners argue that a single, dedicated law addressing spiking could help improve outcomes in the justice system.

In opposition, Labour had called for the introduction of a single spiking law.  Now in Government, Minister for Victims and Violence Against Women and Girls, Alex Davies-Jones, said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime, and this Government is determined to stamp it out.

“We will create a new offence on spiking which will allow the police to better respond to this vile crime, and we will empower all victims to feel confident to come forward and report it.”

The ITV Tonight programme, Spiking: How Safe is Your Night Out?, will air on Thursday, November 7 at 8.30pm, and later on catch up on ITVX.

Courtesy of ITV Tonight programme