Crimestoppers tackles spiking in Derby City

Photo credit: travellinglight

In partnership with Derbyshire Constabulary and 1625 Outreach, we've launched a campaign in Derby to support the national drive to stamp out spiking.

National Spiking Awareness Week spotlights the dangers of spiking - whether in drinks or vapes - and raises awareness of how it can happen and the impact. We are also highlighting the dangers of ketamine use.  

You can tell us 100% anonymously - guaranteed -  what you know about anyone you suspect of being involved with incidents of spiking, perhaps supplying the drugs for spiking. We're also asking for information on anyone you suspect may be dealing ketamine.

Do you have information? Tell us what you know - call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick and easy online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

Spiking can happen in various settings and through various different things we consume, and can carry a sentence of up to 10 years.  

Crimestoppers particularly wants to highlight the signs of spiking in drinks and vapes.

Spiking of drinks

Not all drinks change when spiked, but there are some signs that your drink may have been spiked:

• Excessive bubbles
• Foggy appearance
• Sinking ice
• Change in colour

Spiking of vapes

Possible indicators that a vape may have been spiked:

• Unusual marks or scratches
• Mismatched parts
• Removed pod
• Discoloured liquid
• Off flavours

Symptoms of spiking can include dizziness, confusion, vomiting, fatigue, memory loss and, for spiked vapes, shortness of breath and coughing.

If you believe you or your friend have been spiked:

1. Tell someone you trust
2. Return your drink to the bar or don't use the vape
3. Move to a safe place
4. Seek help from a staff member or security 
5. Call an ambulance if needed
6. Get tested quickly, as drugs can leave the body within hours 

Ketamine

Ketamine is a powerful anaesthetic often used as a recreational drug. Our campaign warns of the health implications of taking ketamine. It is linked to serious harm, both in the long and short term from hallucinations and amnesia to ulcerative cystitis, kidney damage, depression, psychosis, and even death.  

The physical impact of ketamine is monumental. Many individuals become addicted very quickly and then face the harrowing effects of severe pain, memory loss, and the debilitating condition of ulcerative cystitis.

We are calling on the community to help us make our streets safer by reporting any information about ketamine dealers to Crimestoppers. Your report is 100% anonymous.

Do you have information? Tell us what you know - call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick and easy online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously

Find out more about the dangers of ketamine

1625 Outreach is available to those aged 16 to 25 in Derby, Derbyshire and Sheffield. They offer non-judgmental, fact based information and support surrounding drug and alcohol use and the risks. They aim to give you the knowledge and skills to make more informed choices, to keep yourselves and your mates aware, safe and well. This includes:

• Harm reduction advice and information
• Tips and advice on staying safe while having a good time
• Support with accessing other help, such as wellbeing and sexual health services
• Signposting and onward referring and support, if you need it
• Outreach in the community, at schools, colleges, and universities, at events and festivals, and as part of the night-time economy (nights out).

Do you have information? Tell us what you know - call free on 0800 555 111 or fill in our quick and easy online form, here on our website:

Give information anonymously