Police Scotland warns of significant spiking risk after hundreds of reports

Police Scotland has issued a "significant risk of harm" alert after a surge of spiking complaints, with 144 allegations recorded for the previous year and 117 reports logged by mid-August 2026. Freedom of Information data reveal a total of 929 spiking reports across Scotland from 2016 through 2025. Although there is no specific offence for spiking, related crimes such as drugging and administering a substance for sexual purposes are covered under existing law.

The force is working with licensed venues, universities and student bodies to educate the public, provide support and deliver bystander-training to spot potential incidents. Chief Superintendent Derek Cree emphasized that every report is taken seriously and, when sufficient evidence is gathered, forwarded to the Crown Office and Procurator Fiscal Service. Recent statistics, now broken down by sex, show 83 female-victim offences in 2024 (12 detected), 103 in 2025 (17 detected) and 90 up to August 2026 (eight detected). Police urge anyone suspecting they have been spiked to contact the non-emergency line 101 or call 999 in emergencies.