Help stamp out spiking in Northumbria

We've launched a campaign in partnership with Northumbria Police aiming to keep Northumberland and Tyne & Wear safe from spiking.

As a national charity, independent of the police, we're spotlighting the dangers of the types of spiking and raising awareness of how it can happen, and the impact it can have.

Spiking is an abhorrent crime that can have significant, traumatic impact on victims and feelings of safety. It doesn’t matter your age, gender, sexuality, or ethnicity. It can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.

We're urging the public to speak up if they have information on where spiking is being carried out (whether in a bar, club, pub or restaurant) and who may be involved.

You can tell us 100% anonymously - guaranteed - what you know.

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

Types of spiking

Spiking is giving someone else drugs or alcohol without their knowledge or permission. For example:

• Drink spiking - adding drugs or alcohol to someone else's drink
• Needle spiking - injecting drugs into someone else's body with a needle or auto-injector pen
• Vape or cigarette spiking - giving someone drugs in a cigarette or e-cigarette
• Food spiking - adding drugs to someone's food

Spiking is also giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they were expecting and consented to. For example, someone is given double shots instead of single ones.

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 vary depending on what someone has been spiked with, but may include: dizziness, blurred vison, 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 and contact the police
6. Get tested quickly, as drugs can leave the body within hours 

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

Give information anonymously

In an emergency, always call 999.

29 June 2026