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I wanted to provide an update regarding Violence against women and girls, which members around this area have highlighted as an issue of concern on the Met Engage priority survey. Anti-spiking week
What is spiking:
Spiking is when substances are secretly introduced into someones body without consent through food, drinks and vapes.
Statistics:
Between December 2024 and November 2025, the Met police had 2,700 allegations of spiking
Women and girls are disproportionately affected with 63% of victims being female
Over the past 12 months, 126 spiking offences have resulted in positive outcomes, including charges, supported by a 9 per cent rise in reporting of a crime that has long been under-reported.
The signs of being spiked:
It can be difficult to tell if your drink has been spiked but if you notice any changes to the appearance or taste of your drink, stop drinking it. If you’re in a bar or club tell staff or security immediately.
If you think you or a friend have been spiked, there are a range of things to look out for, including:
confusion
nausea or vomiting
hallucinations and paranoia
disorientation or poor coordination
loss of ability to communicate properly
unconsciousness
If you think you've been spiked
If you think you or a friend has been spiked it’s important to tell someone as soon as you can.
Alert a member of staff or security if you're at a venue.
Stay with your friend and keep talking to them.
Don’t let them go home on their own or leave with someone you don’t know.
Report to the police online, on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999.
Police action:
To tackle this crime, the Met has combined awareness campaigns with cutting-edge technology. In partnership with Meta and the Safer Business Network, officers launched an immersive virtual reality experience in central London, inviting office workers to step into real-life scenarios where spiking could occur.
The initiative aimed to raise awareness ahead of Christmas parties, consider the risks, and encourage early reporting.
Alongside public engagement, officers are also exploring the use of specialist vape-spiking detection equipment capable of rapidly testing vapes suspected to contain drugs such as THC or Spice.
This technology, already deployed in nightclubs, festivals and schools, is part of a wider toolkit that includes mobile drug testing equipment and near infra-red detectors supported by a mobile app, which can quickly identify powders and tablets suspected of containing controlled substances.
 We are working on our brand-new strategy for how we police London and we want your help. Our New Met for London: Phase 2 strategy will guide how we deliver on behalf of Londoners over the next three years. | 
