Dorset Police is highlighting signs of spiking as the county prepares to welcome new university students, with officers urging anyone affected to get help and report quickly. Dorset Police is warning people across the county to recognise the signs of spiking. The force says spiking can involve drink, needles, vapes or cigarettes, as well as giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they expected and consented to, and it is raising awareness as Dorset prepares to welcome hundreds of new university students. Officers say rates in Dorset are low, but they want people to know symptoms that can
Dorset Police is warning people across the county to recognise the signs of spiking.
The force says spiking can involve drink, needles, vapes or cigarettes, as well as giving someone more alcohol or drugs than they expected and consented to, and it is raising awareness as Dorset prepares to welcome hundreds of new university students.
Officers say rates in Dorset are low, but they want people to know symptoms that can include confusion, sickness, hallucinations, poor coordination, memory loss and being unable to communicate clearly.
The work includes hospital emergency departments, local councils, STARS Dorset and The Shores sexual assault referral centre, while neighbourhood officers will attend a freshers event to offer advice on policing issues, including spiking.
Detective Sergeant Simon Austin said spiking is a serious crime and victims are "never to blame", and he said early reporting can help officers gather evidence because some drugs leave the body quickly.
He added that anyone who reports spiking will be "listened to and taken seriously", and Dorset Police says people can report online or by calling 101, or call 999 if anyone is in immediate danger.
See more at dorset.police.uk.
