North East police launch pilot giving victims spiking test kits

Northumbria Police is one of three forces in the country trialling a new pilot scheme this month, offering potential victims a test to detect and identify known substances with which drinks may have been spiked.

The testing kits will be available through trusted providers, including education and health settings, in Newcastle city centre, so victims have more options for support. 

It is recognised that spiking is underreported to police, but officers still want victims to come forward for testing, even if they don’t want their case to go through the criminal justice system.

Police make spiking test kits available for city centre drinkers (Image: North Yorkshire Police)

The pilot project, overseen by the Home Office and National Centre for Violence Against Women and Girls and Public Protection (NCVPP), will be evaluated before being considered for wider roll-out.

It will be an indicator to determine whether it increases the number of people coming forward.

Any improved data will only strengthen the police’s ability to prevent and tackle these offences going forward.

Detective Chief Superintendent Claire Hammond, the lead Violence Against Women and Girls officer at the NCVPP, said: “We hope that by providing direct access to testing we will empower victims with a choice over the support they receive and help them to get answers.

“If something doesn’t feel right, then please seek support and come forward for a test.

“Spiking has a significant impact of feelings of safety, particularly for women and girls, and we are absolutely focused on tackling it.

“It is, therefore, crucial that we know and understand when and where it is happening, so we can use that intelligence to prevent further cases and disrupt offenders.”

Superintendent Joanne Park-Simmons, of Northumbria Police, said: “We completely recognise the distress and worry that potential spiking incidents can cause victims, and, ultimately, we want people to know we’re here to help them.

“We’re proud to have been selected as one of three police forces in the country for this new pilot, which we hope will only strengthen our response to such incidents going forward.

 “By working in collaboration with our partners in Newcastle, including health and education settings, we can further understand the bigger picture and ensure those affected are supported in a way that suits them.

“We know that not everyone wants to progress a criminal outcome, but it’s hugely important we can understand what is happening in our area, so we can take more action.

“Newcastle has always been a safe and welcoming city, and we want to make sure it stays that way.

“If you think you have unfortunately experienced spiking, please consider accessing a test through a provider near you.

 “You will be listened to, and as ever we’ll be here if you need us.”

 A new webpage has been created on the Northumbria Police website which allows potential victims to find the closest venue stocking the new kits.

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To report spiking, members of the public can send the force a direct message on social media or use live chat and report forms on their website.

Anyone unable to make contact in those ways should call 101.

In an emergency, including where a crime is taking place, the advice is to always dial 999.