Bedfordshire Women Share Experiences as Spiking Awareness Week Begins

Two women from Bedfordshire have shared their personal experiences of being spiked as Spiking Awareness Week kicks off across the UK.

The annual campaign aims to raise awareness of drink spiking and encourage victims to report offences.

One woman recalled: “I don’t have much recollection of what happened. I was taken to the hospital, and the nurse told me all my symptoms indicated that I had been spiked with a date rape drug. I reported this initially to the venue, but they did not take this seriously. Now I wish I had reported it further to prevent it from happening to someone else.”

Another woman, who was spiked during a night out with work colleagues, described waking up the next day confused with no memory of events: “I just know that I’d only had two drinks and somehow ended up in a complete state. I realised I must have been spiked but didn’t report it because I had no evidence and didn’t want to waste police time. I’d like to say I was always very aware of my surroundings, but it still happened, and I have no idea how.”

The awareness week coincides with the start of Freshers’ Week, when thousands of students return to or begin university and take part in social events.

Bedfordshire Police are continuing Project Vigilant, launched last month to target perpetrator behaviours in pubs, bars, and clubs before offences occur. Plain-clothed officers patrol nightlife areas and flag anyone behaving suspiciously to uniformed colleagues, who can then engage and take action to prevent escalation.

The force is also working with venues to improve safety, deter offending, and encourage victims to come forward. Officers from the Rape and Serious Sexual Offences (RASSO) team will attend Fresher’s Fairs across the county to educate students on drink spiking, how to report incidents, and how to access support. They will also hand out spiking test kits and prevention kits, including reusable bottle tops.

Detective Inspector Victoria Willett, from the RASSO team, said:

"Reports of spiking remain low in Bedfordshire, but we recognise that this may be because victims don’t always come forward. We encourage anyone who believes they’ve been a victim to report it. You will be taken seriously, and we will investigate thoroughly. Your safety is our priority.

“Drink spiking is a serious crime that can have devastating consequences, whether done with malicious intent or as a so-called prank. With many students socialising this week, we’ll be out speaking to people and targeting anyone attempting to cause harm. Fresher’s Week should be an exciting and safe time for everyone.”

Cambridgeshire Constabulary, which covers St Neots, has also issued advice as part of this year’s campaign. The force says the campaign challenges myths surrounding spiking, in particular that it only involves so-called “date rape drugs.” In reality, alcohol is one of the most frequently used substances to spike someone and can be just as dangerous.

Inspector Ed McNeill said:

"Spiking is an incredibly serious offence, and alcohol-based spiking is no exception. It’s often dismissed or even seen as a joke, but it can leave victims confused, vulnerable and traumatised.

“If someone gives you a double when you asked for a single, that’s spiking. It’s about consent, and removing that consent is a crime.

“We want people to know that if they’ve been spiked – whether with alcohol, drugs or both – it’s not their fault. We’re here to help, not to judge.”