Almost 5,000 spiking incidents were reported to police over the course of a year, with reports of spiking by needle narrowly outstripping reports of drink spiking.

Data released by the National Police Chiefs Council (NPCC) reveals that among the 800 tests carried out so far, the most common drugs detected were cocaine, ketamine and MDMA.

However, only 3% of cases were found to “contain a controlled drug which supports a spiking incident”.

The figures reveal there were:

• 4,924 reports made to police in the 12 months to September
• 3% of cases found to “contain a controlled drug which supports a spiking incident”
• 2,581 cases of needle spiking reported to police
• 2,131 cases of reported drink spiking
• 212 reports of “other spiking” – for example in cigarettes and food

The NPCC’s lead for tackling violence against women and girls, Deputy Chief Constable Maggie Blyth, said police have “increased action” against spiking through measures like having undercover detectives in bars.

She said: “Behind each of these reports is a frightened victim whose night out has turned into a nightmare.

“I know from talking to victims of spiking how utterly terrifying it can be.

“Police forces have increased action against spiking, with uniformed and covert operations in bars and clubs, working alongside venues to prevent and investigate spiking.”

The UK saw a spate of needle spiking late last year, with women describing blackouts, memory loss and new fears about going on nights out.

A number of police forces said they were investigating multiple reports of this new way of drugging women, while students called for a nightclub boycott to ensure the issue was taken seriously.

Reports of such incidents are not isolated to the UK, with needle attacks at nightclubs across Europe puzzling authorities.

In the UK, parliament issued a report in April on drink and needle spiking, saying it should be made a specific criminal offence and acknowledging there was a lack of data to judge how serious the issue was.

DCC Blyth said spiking is a “complex and challenging” offence to investigate because drugs pass through the system quickly, meaning there is often limited evidence.

Ahead of New Year’s Eve parties, police have advised anyone who is concerned that they could have been spiked to report the incident as quickly as possible.

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