MPS using latest technology to tackle spiking across London

This technology, which has already been used in nightclubs, festivals, concerts and schools, allows rapid testing of vapes suspected to contain drugs such as THC or Spice.

The force said this is a “growing concern” for police after reports of vapes being tampered with, often shared between young people or handed out in social settings. In some cases, use of a spiked vape has led to hospitalisation.

Alongside this, the MPS is assessing a range of different mobile drug testing equipment, which assist rapid drug identification – including near infra-red detectors that can quickly test a wide range of powders and tablets suspected of containing controlled drugs, supported by a mobile phone app.

The MPS said this is part of its improved approach to tackling violence against women and girls (VAWG) by using innovative technologies and tactics to secure justice for victims.

“Innovation is improving outcomes for victims and making London safer for women and girls, with the charge rate for VAWG offences tripling in the last three years,” it added.

Between March 2024 and March 2025, the MPS received more than 2,000 allegations of spiking, around 150 every month – although it believes the true scale of the crime is higher due to underreporting.

MPS figures show the crime disproportionately affects women and girls, with 66 per cent of victims in August 2025 being female. Offenders were found to be most active in and around busy nightlife venues, with 17 per cent of reports linked to Westminster and the West End.

The MPS’s Marine Support Unit is leading Operation Albenga, working in collaboration with the the force’s licensing teams, drugs dogs, safer transport and central VAWG team. The operation focuses on party boats along the Thames, which are popular with students during Freshers’ Week.

Throughout Operation Albenga, the unit has been proactively patrolling party boats embarking and disembarking at Westminster Pier to identify and prevent offending taking place on the river.

Officers are conducting safety checks, engaging with partygoers, and using the specialist vape spiking detection equipment. This is part of a wider toolkit officers are trialing, including early evidence kits for drink and drug testing.

MPS Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ben Russell, said: “Spiking is an abhorrent crime that we are tackling head on, whether it takes place in a nightclub, a private venue, or on the Thames. The ongoing trial of new vape spiking detection kits is just one example of how we are innovating to get ahead of offenders and better protect the public.

“This is part of our wider commitment under the VAWG strategy to protect women and girls across London. We are working with partners in licensing, education and the night-time economy to disrupt offenders, raise awareness and, crucially, support victims.”

Minister for Safeguarding and VAWG, Jess Phillips said: “As students across the country enjoy Freshers Week, we are determined to tackle the vile crime of spiking.

“That’s why we are funding a national Spiking Intensification Week to raise awareness, support police forces to use innovative tactics, and encourage victims to report this crime.

“We are also working with bars, pubs and clubs to roll out specialist training for staff and introducing a new criminal offence for spiking to bring more perpetrators to justice.”

Eren Bessim, training and development manager at Safer Business Network, said: “We know spiking remains a concern for many people, particularly students and young people returning to the city this autumn. By working in partnership with the MPS, local authorities, and venues, we are equipping frontline teams with the confidence and knowledge they need to prevent and respond to incidents of vulnerability – making London’s day and nightlife safer and more welcoming for everyone.”

Throughout the operation the MPS’s VAWG team has been supported by Project Vigilant – uniform and non-uniform officers who proactively patrolled the nearby area to identify potential offenders. More than 400 MPSofficers have been trained in techniques to spot predatory behavior in public spaces over the last two years.

Alongside the Thames operation, the MPS is continuing to work in partnership with bars, clubs, and venues across London as part of its night-time economy policing plan. Licensing officers and neighbourhood teams are carrying out proactive visits, while the MPS’s partnership with the Safer Business Network has already delivered WAVE (Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement) training to more than 850 venues.

The MPS is also working closely with charities such as Drinkaware, providing staff with the tools to spot predatory behaviour and how to respond quickly if a customer reports being spiked.

These efforts follow Spiking Intensification Week, a national initiative led by the National Police Chiefs’ Council and Home Office. Across London, local policing teams are delivering engagement, training, and disruption activity, with a strong emphasis on protecting young people as they begin university life.