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The Metropolitan Police Service is stepping up its efforts to tackle spiking in London, combining technology, immersive training and close collaboration with venues as the festive season approaches.
Officers have launched a range of innovative initiatives to prevent offences and improve early reporting. In partnership with Meta and the Safer Business Network, the Met rolled out an immersive virtual reality experience in central London. The initiative allows participants to navigate realistic spiking scenarios, helping them understand the risks, recognise vulnerability and know how to respond safely.
“Our partnership with MPS, META and Moonhub allows us to use immersive VR not only to train businesses through our WAVE programme, but also to build deeper understanding around identifying offenders, recognising vulnerability, and knowing how to respond safely.
“STAND:UP VR gives learners a realistic experience of what spiking and related behaviours can look like, and crucially, it supports both staff and the public in understanding how and when to report. By increasing confidence and awareness at every level, we’re helping create safer spaces and strengthening the entire response to these incidents across the day and night-time economy.”
Eren Bessim, Training and Development Manager at Safer Business Network, said:
The force is also trialling specialist vape-spiking detection equipment, capable of quickly testing vapes for drugs such as THC and Spice. This is part of a wider toolkit that includes mobile drug testing units and near-infrared detectors supported by a mobile app, which can rapidly identify powders and tablets suspected of containing controlled substances. These tools are already being deployed in nightclubs, festivals and schools.
Venues are a key part of the strategy. Through WAVE training, staff are learning to spot signs of spiking, safeguard victims and report incidents swiftly. Internally, the Met has introduced a new system to tag spiking reports, helping officers collate cases and produce more accurate data.
“Spiking is a frightening crime that can have devastating consequences. No one should feel the need to change their behaviour to protect themselves from becoming a victim of an illegal offence.
“While we are determined to prevent spiking and continue working closely with partners and venues, it’s encouraging to see more people coming forward. But we need even more victims to report incidents as early as possible – it’s the key to identifying offenders and stopping them from harming others.
Commander Clair Kelland, Public Protection Lead, The Met.
The combined approach reflects the Met’s wider strategy to tackle violence against women and girls, with officers emphasising the importance of early reporting to secure evidence and prevent reoffending.
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