Drink Spiking Across NSW Hits Record High

Reports of drink spiking in New South Wales hit a record high, as data reveals the number of tampering incidents is at its highest in five years. From July 2021 to June 2022, NSW police received 186 complaints of drink or food spiking. 

The number displays a 55% increase in spiking-related reports compared to pre-COVID-19 stats.

According to the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), more than 95% of the drink or food spiking incidents occurred from October 2021, when pandemic restrictions were lifted for fully vaccinated people. 

Sydney’s local government area recorded 40 spiking reports – the highest number in the state, followed by Newcastle LGA with 16 incidents and Wollongong LGA with 12. 

Those might not be the real numbers considering licensed venues need to log spiking-related incidents, but are not required to forward them to authorities. BOCSAR statistics show that most incidents occur in nightlife venues, such as bars and nightclubs.