North Yorkshire 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, including those linked to Skipton’s pubs, bars, and student nightlife.
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.
Inspector Andy Godfrey, North Yorkshire Police’s Tactical Lead for Operation Lester, said:
“Spiking is a sickening crime which can have significant and traumatic impact on victims and leave them feeling unsafe for many years.
"It is a complex and challenging offence to investigate, and that’s why early reporting and testing is so important.”
He added:
“Through close coordination with our Licensing Team, Community Safety Hubs, the Alcohol Education Trust, and representatives from universities and colleges in our area, we are working proactively within the night-time economy to raise awareness of spiking and prevent it.
"Covert tactics and checks at licensed venues are being used to safeguard people from harm.”
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 North 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.
Police stress that victims will not be penalised if they have illegal substances in their system, and their priority is ensuring safety and gathering evidence.
Support is also available locally, including through North Yorkshire Rise for young people, North Yorkshire Horizons for adults, and Supporting Victims in North Yorkshire.
Specialist help for sexual offences is provided by the county’s Sexual Assault Referral Centre.
Police say the campaign is about making the night-time economy safer and ensuring students and young people in Skipton and across the county can enjoy events, bars, and clubs without fear of spiking.
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