National figures for drink spiking

There are two key but different issues: 1. Drinks being spiked and 2. Needle attacks

Between the 1st Sept 21 to (including) 29th Oct 21 there have been 154 recorded needle spiking. These are spread broadly across England, Wales and Scotland, with Nottinghamshire, Merseyside, Leicestershire and GMP seeing the largest number of reports. The motive for such attacks still isn’t clear and is a clear focus of Law Enforcement from local to National

Between the 1st Sept 21 to (Including) 23rd October we had 198 recorded drink spiking crimes. These are from an initial request from all forces on recorded numbers and its anticipated the numbers for this will be higher when we have more data.

For both offences we are seeing a very small number of further offences linked to this initial offence, such as sexual offences and robbery.

The Home Office are currently compiling the recorded crime and outcome data for such offences from previous years.

Note: The National figures and intelligence gathering is an ongoing process and figures may have increased.

National figures for spiking by injection

Between the 1st Sept 21 to (including) 29th Oct - 154 recorded needle spiking. Between the 1st Sept 21 to (Including) 23rd October - 198 recorded drink spiking crimes.

National figures for drink spiking prosecutions

Whilst the Home Office will provide the outcomes for previous years, current results are still being collated.

Number of prosecutions with Avon and Somerset Police Force for spiking

In relation to the information provided on 20/10/21, the 2 suspects are on bail for other offences and linked to drink spiking within ASC (not yet charged due to the nature of the other offences being investigated).

The national data is currently being complied by the Home Office for recorded crime and outcomes for such offences in previous years as part of the National assessment work being carried out.

Work being done nationally to find perpetrators

A National assessment is being compiled, with participation from all Law Enforcement. This is an evolving assessment with the National Operations Centre leading on behalf of law enforcement. This particularly focuses on offenders/victims and locations. Initial assessment in terms of needle attacks highlights the lack of understanding of motive, offences appear to be random, in crowded places, mainly the night time economy and most victims are female. Such reports and with the emergence of the needle attacks are being taken seriously. We have established a National Strategic co-ordinating group led by NPCC Lead DCC Jason Harwin with Law Enforcement and some partners that is meeting twice a week to help understand and support a whole law enforcement response. Understanding motive and identifying offenders is a key focus, supported by partnership working to look at prevention and reassurance.

Some Forces have established Gold groups, where they’ve seen a series of offences. Forces that have had reports are increasing focus on investigations and looking to identify offenders, along with working with universities, licensed premises and other interested partners to prevent and deter such offences being committed.

On the 8th Nov a national forum for Force lead investigators was hosted to discuss current investigations, any connection to offending and wider partnership response. This will aid our national understanding and approach and share learning for local forces. We have and continue to conduct international to local force tasking. This includes the review of social media/internet platforms for any intelligence/ Enforcement opportunities

Working with A&E to see scale of problem

A national strategic co-ordinating group has been established, supported by a dedicated partnership forum including the Office for Health Improvement and Disparities including links to Emergency Care that will be lead by the NPCC Lead for Alcohol and Vulnerability to understand, connect and coordinate activities. Local Forces feed into this.

When, if and how police are doing a proactive assessment of the scale of the injecting

A National assessment is being compiled, with participation from all Law Enforcement. This is an evolving assessment with the National Operations Centre leading on behalf of law enforcement. This particularly focuses on offenders/victims and locations. Initial assessment in terms of needle attacks highlights the lack of understanding of motive, offences appear to be random, in crowded places, mainly the night time economy and most victims are female

What are forces doing to tackle drink spiking

We have now had responses from all forces across the UK in relation to incidents involving some form of injection, with a total of 56 confirmed reports from across September and October.
Police forces are investigating incidents and continue to work with pubs and clubs to increase searches and guidance to staff.  We will continue to analyse the reports and work with police forces, plus other law enforcement partners including the National Crime Agency (NCA) and Regional Organised Crime Units (ROCUs), as investigations develop to build a problem profile and determine any further action by police or venues.