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What is spiking and what can I do about it?

This blog was written by Dr Amy Burrell, Research Fellow at the University of Birmingham. She can be contacted  on a.burrell@bham.ac.uk or via LinkedIn

What is spiking?

Spiking is the covert administration of substances (e.g., drugs, alcohol) to another person without their knowledge or consent. People often think about spiking in the context of drinks and, whilst drink spiking (i.e., adding a substance to someone’s drink) is a common way to spike someone, it is not the only way it happens. There are also reports of spiking using food (e.g., lollipops, brownies, gummies), cigarettes and/or vapes, as well as chewing gum and even via needles/injection.

What is commonly used to spike people?

Drugs such as Rohypnol, GHB, and Ketamine have been associated with spiking and incidents involving such substances do occur. However, alcohol is the most common substance used to commit spiking. This is not surprising as it is cheap and easily available, especially when in a night-time economy context.

Why do people spike others?

Spiking is a criminal offence. However, it can also be used to make someone more susceptible to being a victim of another crime. There is little research evidence about motivations but what we do know is that they can vary – for example, from sexual assault to robbery to pranking. We also know that spiking is not always followed by another offence which lends more support to the idea that some perpetrators commit spiking for “fun” or “a laugh”. Whatever the motivation, the impact of spiking can be dangerous and, of course, frightening for the victim.

How can I tell if someone has been spiked?

Symptoms of spiking can vary, depending on the substance used. Sometimes it will look like someone is just very drunk – unsurprising if the substance used to spike is often alcohol. Symptoms can, therefore, look similar to drunkenness – e.g., nausea, dizziness, being unsteady on their feet. Other signs someone might have been spiking include becoming unresponsive, behaving out of character, paranoia, and/or hallucinations.

What should I do immediately/first if I think someone has been spiked?

First and foremost, focus on safety. Seek medical attention if necessary. Also, make the venue aware as well as SIA colleagues working nearby. It is not always easy to establish where spiking has taken place so making everyone aware of an incident is helpful. Listen to the person who is reporting they have been spiked – and their friends – as this will help you identify what will help them calm down/feel reassured/what help they need.

How do I help someone who has been spiked?

Remember that the person might not be aware of what is happening. They might be very frightened and/or distressed. It is important to try and find the person’s friends as, hopefully, this will help you understand what has happened. In particular, it will help you establish where they have been and if their behaviour seems out of character for them. One useful tip is to look at the group and the context – whilst it might be very difficult to determine if someone has been spiked if it is 4am and everyone is drunk, there are other times where it should be much clearer. For example, if it is 10pm and one person seems completely out of it, their friends are nearby, (more) sober, and telling you their friend is behaving oddly then this is a strong indicator of spiking. Either way, if in doubt, work on the basis it could be spiking and take the appropriate action.

How do I report a spiking incident?

Victims can be worried about reporting spiking as they might be frightened or feel like they won’t be believed. I would encourage people to report if they feel able to as this helps us to build up a picture of spiking and the more we know, the more effectively we can respond. Police UK have a website on spiking which includes links to reporting spiking incidents. If the victim would prefer not to contact the police, they can still report what has happened to them – for example, at Stamp Out Spiking and The Egalitarian.

What do I do if I want to find out more?

The Security Industry Authority can signpost you to training that is available to you. For example, the Welfare and Vulnerability Engagement (WAVE) training is offered to SIA licence holders via the Safer Business Network. This offers you a good opportunity for supplementary training as an extra to your regular refresher SIA training.

There are also many charitable organisations who can offer help and support around spiking. They often have free resources available and/or options for reporting incidents. For example:

We’re taking a stand against labour exploitation

We’ve set up a dedicated multi-disciplinary team across the SIA, headed by Paul Fullwood, our Director of Inspections and Enforcement, to address labour exploitation under the name Operation EMPOWER. The aim of this operation is to seek to reduce labour exploitation across the UK private security industry, working in collaboration with the industry itself, key partners, and government. Our plan begins with the launch of a communications campaign to raise awareness of the signs of potential labour exploitation and encourage reporting. Paul explains more here:

We know that labour exploitation exists within the private security industry. The harm to individuals is unacceptable. The consequent injury to standards and public safety, to law-abiding businesses who are undercut by criminal enterprises, and to the reputation of the industry, demand a response. 

We’re confident that most private security suppliers meet high standards and provide fair working conditions, which contributes to public safety. However, we know from our intelligence and stakeholder engagement that the industry has concerns that some companies are undermining quality businesses through alleged poor practices. 

We’ve set up a dedicated multi-disciplinary team across the SIA, headed at director level, to address labour exploitation under the name Operation EMPOWER. This project team includes intelligence specialists and criminal investigators, as well as representatives from Individual and Business Standards, Legal, Policy, and Communications. 

The aim of this operation is to seek to reduce labour exploitation across the UK private security industry, working in collaboration with the industry itself, key partners, and government. We need the commitment and support of departments and agencies with relevant powers, such as HM Revenue and Customs and the Home Office. This is because our current powers under the Private Security Industry Act 2001 provide us with limited opportunities to tackle this issue on our own. 

People who are being exploited can be hard to reach. They may be vulnerable due to their immigration status. They may not even realise that they’re being exploited. We want security operatives to understand what labour exploitation looks like. For example, they may not be being paid the National Minimum Wage. For some individuals, particularly those who are being used by organised crime, their situation may be far worse. We need these individuals to be able to identify when they’re being exploited, and to know that they can report their situation in confidence to the SIA and other agencies. The expectation must be that action will follow. 

We are also talking to security businesses to make sure they’re aware of their responsibilities to the people they employ. We want buyers of security to be vigilant as well, as we know that labour exploitation – particularly low pay – can be a feature of sub-contracting chains. If buyers are sourcing cheap security, say for an event, they may be paying an amount that guarantees that operatives themselves are not being paid National Minimum Wage. 

A private security company supplier, which is under contract to a buyer, must make sure that their employees are paid correctly and contribute the correct amount of national insurance and tax. They must also make sure that this is being done throughout their supply chain. 

No employer is exempt from paying their workers the statutory minimum wage. Employers must pay their employees the National Minimum Wage (to apprentices or people aged under 21) or the National Living Wage (to people aged 21 or over). There are also minimum unavoidable costs for basic employment matters such as national insurance. 

This should be of special interest to legitimate security businesses, as unscrupulous operators can undercut those who treat their staff fairly and pay them properly. 

Our plan begins with a communications strategy aiming to raise awareness of the signs of potential labour exploitation, and encourage reporting, with the support of key communications partners. We’re directing people to a new guidance and reporting page on our GOV.UK site. We will follow this first phase with a programme of engagement on the actions we are collectively taking to address labour exploitation. 

In this way we are embarking on a multi-partnership operation intended to disrupt and dissuade the individuals and businesses that direct or facilitate labour exploitation. Keep an eye out for our messages, and if you come across exploitation in the private security industry – please report it.