As the festive season begins, Leeds has introduced a new city-wide initiative designed to tackle spiking and enhance safety on nights out.
The ‘Stop the Spike’ campaign brings together local organisations, universities and nightlife venues to raise awareness, strengthen prevention measures and ensure people know where to turn for help. Central to the campaign is a commitment to equipping nightlife staff with the skills and confidence to spot the signs of spiking and respond effectively. So far, 24 venues have completed specialised training, with another 15 preparing to follow. The training includes guidance on recognising symptoms, supporting individuals who may have been spiked and taking appropriate action to keep people safe.
The campaign follows discussions between Women Friendly Leeds (WFL) and the city’s universities, where spiking emerged as a major concern among students and young people. Spiking, adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink or body without their knowledge or consent — is a criminal offence that carries a penalty of up to 10 years in prison. It can occur through drinks, injections, cigarettes, vapes, food or other methods.
Leeds is also increasing access to practical safety tools, with drink covers now available at many city-centre venues and along the popular Otley Run route. These covers offer an extra layer of protection by helping reduce the risk of drink tampering.
Faye Hopkin, area manager at Headrow House who have completed the training said:
“We are pleased to see this anti-spiking campaign raising awareness across our city. By taking a clear stand, we strengthen customer trust and demonstrate our firm commitment to ensuring that such behaviour is not tolerated.”
Councillor Asghar Khan, Leeds City Council’s executive member for communities, customer service and community safety said:
“We want everyone enjoying our night life to have a good night and get home safely. Sadly, spiking is a national problem and we want to make sure that everyone who goes out in Leeds is aware of what signs to look out for, and that there is support around.
“If you or someone else suspect you have been spiked, speak to a friend, venue staff or security and they can help you and make sure you are safe. It is never your fault, and reporting to the police will help us stop the spike.”
Temporary Chief Inspector Rob Hughes, of Leeds District said:
“We are now approaching Christmas party season, and we want everyone to be able to safely enjoy the varied nightlife that Leeds offers. The police clearly have a key part to play in this, but we also need the support of other agencies, licensed premises and the wider public in raising awareness and understanding of what to do if a suspected incident of spiking has occurred.
“Spiking can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims. While most recorded offences do not lead on to any sexual offence, there is understandably concern for the victim about who the perpetrator was, what their motives were and the vulnerable position they were left in. The vast majority of victims of spiking are women and our commitment to tackling spiking is part of our wider work to reduce violence and sexual violence against women and girls.
“Early reporting is key as drugs can pass through the system quickly. We would strongly encourage anyone who is a victim of spiking to report it to police straight away to give us the best chances of capturing evidential opportunities. The effects of spiking may mean that a victim is unable to contact the police themselves, so we need others to remain vigilant to the signs of spiking to ensure that victims receive the right care.”
Shreena Gobey, Women’s Night Safe Space Coordinator said:
“Nights out in Leeds is why lots of people love the city, including me. I am extremely proud that partners and venues are coming together to listen and act on the voices and experiences from our WFL Spike Report. This campaign improves and celebrates good practice, supports people feel safe to ask for help and focuses on welfare and compassion for all.”
Campaign partners are encouraging anyone who suspects they have been spiked to report it to the police. Symptoms can vary from person to person, but warning signs may include sudden confusion, vomiting, hallucinations, blurred vision, difficulty speaking, loss of balance or memory blackouts. By combining training, awareness raising and practical resources, Stop the Spike aims to make Leeds’ nightlife safer for everyone this festive season and beyond.
Local support is also available through West Yorkshire Police, Leeds City Council, street marshals, Women’s Night Safe Space and Angels of Freedom. For more details, please visit Night Safe Leeds
