Drink spiking is a crime, it refers to the act of adding drugs or alcohol to people's drinks to try and influence their behaviours. Please be aware of the following things:
- People putting alcohol into a non-alcoholic drink
- People putting more alcohol into an alcoholic drink
- Adding prescription or illegal drugs into a drink
- Tampering with a drink in any way that changes its normal composition
Additionally, needle spiking is another form of spiking that involves injecting a person with drugs using a needle, often without their knowledge or consent. This can happen in crowded places or events and poses significant risks to health and safety.
Symptoms can vary depending on the size and height of the person, type and amount of drug or alcohol used or how much alcohol was consumed prior to the incident. Here’s some things to look out for:
- Confusion
- Nausea or vomiting
- Hallucinations
- Disorientation
- Inability to communicate clearly
- Paranoia
- Poor coordination
- Impaired vision
- Unconsciousness
Anti-spiking Wristbands are a tool designed to help you monitor the safety of your drink. Each wristband has 2 testing patches to assist in detecting if a drink has been tampered with.
What do they do?
Detect Tampering: Each wristband has two testing patches, allowing you to test the same drink at different intervals or two different drinks.
Repeated Testing: Alternatively, you can use each patch to test the same drink multiple times if you are unsure about its safety.
How to use them?
1. Wear the wristband: Put the wristband on your wrist
2. Testing your drink Prepare the Test: Take a small part of the drink and apply it to the patch, make sure the patch is fully covered. If you are using your finger, remember to wash your hands after. Wait a few seconds for the results
3. Read the results: If there has been a colour change from the light yellow/green colouring to a dark blue, dark green-blue, red-blue, violet-blue, brown-blue on the patch, it indicates the drink may have been tampered with*. If you have consumed the drink, seek help from venue staff. If you still have the drink return to venue staff. Call 999 for emergency services. If you have not consumed the drink, inform venue staff, return the drink to staff. If you feel in immediate danger or the perpetrator is still in the area, call 999. Otherwise report online, through Essex Police Live Chat or via 101.
Please note these wristbands are an added safety measure to help you feel confident and safe. They are not a response to a specific problem but a tool to enhance safety while enjoying your time out.
*If the test accidently gets wet (washing hands, or raining), the test will turn blue. This indicates it has become wet only.
If you or anyone you are with has been a victim of drink spiking inform the venue team immediately, if you still have the drink, please hand this to the venue staff.
- The venue will ensure you are safe as priority
- If medical assistance is required, this will be arranged
- The venue and Police will work together to collect any evidence required relating to the crime, including any positive test and CCTV
Even if you feel well, it is important to notify the venue to seek support and further testing as some drugs are only present in the body for 12hours.
If you have consumed the drink, left the venue and the incident has just happened, call 999 for emergency services.
If you have not consumed the drink but you feel that you are in immediate danger or the perpetrator is still in the area, call 999. Otherwise report online, through Essex Police Live Chat or via 101.
If you are reporting this incident more than 12 hours afterwards, please report online, through Essex Police Live Chat or call 101 and record what happened.
If you are concerned about your drinking or drug use and wish to seek help to reduce / stop your use, please contact STARS (Southend Treatment And Recovery Service) on 01702 431889, email Southend.Referrals@ForwardTrust.Org.Uk or visit their website at STARS Southend Treatment and Recovery Service - Forward Trust