University students are being warned of spiking risks after 29 spiking offences were recorded in Southampton last year.

Hampshire Constabulary said this number has halved what it was two years ago, with 71 reported spiking incidents being reported between August and December 2021.

The force has seen a reduction of reported spiking incidents over the past three years but wants to remind students that they need to stay vigilant.

Violence Against Women and Girls lead for Hampshire Constabulary, Chief Superintendent Clare Jenkins, said: “We recognise that drink spiking is a big concern among students and the wider local communities where our local universities are based.

Chief Superintendent Clare JenkinsChief Superintendent Clare Jenkins (Image: Hampshire police) “We want to offer reassurances that our licencing teams – along with the local policing teams – have been working tirelessly to further develop our understanding of spiking incidents across Hampshire.

“The most important element on a night out, whether that is in the night time economy or during a Student Union run event, apart from looking out for one another is never to leave your drink unattended – whether it’s alcoholic or not.

“Likewise, we would urge extreme caution about accepting a drink from someone you do not know – it has the potential to have devastating consequences if your drink is spiked in the process.”

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Across the three main student areas in the county, Southampton, Portsmouth and Winchester, 91 spiking offences were reported to police in 2023.

Police said that officers will consider the best investigative lines of enquiry when suspected spiking incidents are reported, including taking a sample for forensic examination.

Chief Superintendent Jenkins continued: “We are very clear that violence, intimidation, misogyny, sexism and harassment of any kind towards women and girls is not acceptable in any form.

“That is why we are committed to identifying and relentlessly pursuing perpetrators, especially those who purposely set out to target and cause intentional harm to women and girls.”