GMP reveals drink-spiking myths as crackdown ramped up in town centres

Police have revealed the 'common myths' about drink-spiking as part of a week-long crackdown in town centres across Greater Manchester.

This week Greater Manchester Police officers will take part in 'Spiking Intensification Week' in a bid to combat the 'abhorrent' crime and protect victims. Other police forces across the country are also taking part in the crackdown on spiking in bars, pubs and clubs.

Across our region, officers will be patrolling town centres with council representatives in a bid to raise awareness. They will carry out licencing visits and hand out spiking tests and prevention kits to pubs, including bottle tops and glass sticks.

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Officers will also promote the 'Ask Angela' scheme - set up in 2016 to enable anyone to discretely ask hospitality staff for help if they feel unsafe. The intensification week follows on from the publication of a statutory report into spiking at the end of 2023, focusing on the night-time economy and improving police investigations.

As part of the intensification week, police have revealed the top 'common myths' about spiking. You can read these below:

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Buckthorpe, who is GMP’s lead throughout Spiking Intensification Week said: "As a Force, we are dedicated to identifying and taking positive action against those responsible for spiking, whilst protecting and supporting the victims of this cowardly crime. It is totally abhorrent and can have a significant, traumatic impact on victims, sometimes leaving them with long-lasting anxiety or distress.

"Whilst we apply prevention techniques throughout all boroughs, particularly within night-time economy