Cheshire Constabulary is cracking down on spiking as part of a national focus to keep people safe throughout the freshers' period and parents and carers are urged to ensure students know of the signs.  

The operation forms part of a wider national focus, co-ordinated by the National Police Chief's Council.  

Officers will be carrying out high visibility foot patrols in key night-time economy hot spot areas across the county to provide the public with reassurance and detect and deter criminality. 

Officers are also working closely with venues and establishments across Cheshire to ensure that they are following the correct process if they believe a spiking incident has occurred. 

Local officers will be attending the University of Chester's welcome fayre and speaking to students about staying safe, and the consequences of spiking.  

The Safer Streets safety bus will be in attendance at the fayre and students will receive advice on what to do to keep themselves and their friends safe, and what to do if they believe they have been spiked.  

Superintendent Mike Ankers, force lead for spiking, said:

"Spiking is giving someone alcohol or drugs without them knowing or agreeing. It can happen to anyone, anywhere, no matter their age, gender, sexuality or ethnicity, and it can be carried out by strangers or by people you know.  

"Whichever way it happens, the impact on the victim can be personally catastrophic and potentially life changing. 

"Officers work hard to keep our night-time economy safe all year round, and thankfully reports of spiking in Cheshire are low, however we recognise that reports can go vastly underreported.  

"Everyone should be free to enjoy their night out without the fear of being spiked. Rest assured, we take the matter very seriously and will take robust action. If you believe that you, or one of your friends has been spiked, report it to us - we will listen and we will support you." 

Spiking is not just limited to slipping a drug in someone's drink – the following examples are all within the range of behaviours that would be considered spiking, under the existing legislation: 

• Putting alcohol into someone's drink without their knowledge or permission, including adding measures to someone's drink that they have not asked for
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person's alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink without their knowledge or permission
• Injecting another person with prescription or illegal drugs without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person's food without their knowledge or permission
• Putting prescription or illegal drugs into another person's cigarette or vape without their knowledge or permission.

How to report spiking: 

If you think you or a friend has been spiked, it's important to tell someone as soon as you can. 

Alert a member of staff or security if you're at a venue. 

Stay with your friend and keep talking to them. 

Don't let them go home on their own or leave with someone you don't know. 

Report to the police online, on 101 or, in an emergency, call 999. 

If you or someone else have symptoms: 

If you are worried call 111. 

Call an ambulance if the symptoms get worse. 

If you think there may have been a sexual assault: