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Spiking awareness campaign launched during Freshers’ Week

Monday, 15 September 2025 13:06

Police are running their latest Spiking Intensification Week, taking place from 15 to 21 September 2025.

The campaign aims to raise awareness of spiking and provide advice to students and young people as Freshers’ Week events get underway across the county.

National police data shows that in the year ending April 2023, 6,732 reports of spiking were made, including 957 cases of needle spiking.

Women were the victims in three-quarters of cases, with the average age of victims being 26.

Police believe the crime is widely under-reported.

During the campaign, police and local partners will highlight safety measures such as planning journeys home, staying with friends on nights out, keeping drinks in sight, and knowing how to report concerns to venue staff.

In West Yorkshire, venues continue to promote the “Ask for Angela” scheme, where customers can discreetly ask staff for help if they feel unsafe.

Victims are encouraged to report suspected spiking straight away by calling 999 in an emergency, 101 in non-emergencies, or using the new online reporting service.

Further advice is available online at https://www.westyorkshire.police.uk/advice/personal-safety-and-possessions/spiking

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