The term 'needle spiking' relates to a number of incidents of people reportedly being injected with a substance without their knowledge or consent," Dr Isabella explains.

As of 23 October, the NPCC had also collected 198 reports of drink spiking, in addition to the 56 reports of incidents involving a needle. As they’re only for rubber tracks, they are a niche spike and should only be considered if you spend most of your time on rubber surfaces. Gill Athletics works to ensure compliance with Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act.

For any distance longer than a few hundred meters or for beginning runners, it is better to use a shoe with pyramid spikes under the forefoot and a heel cushioned with padding under the heel cup. Wales Online reports that four women in Swansea claimed to have been spiked by injection, though these have not been confirmed. This is especially important as the sooner investigations are done (such as blood and urine tests), the higher the likelihood of picking up any possible substances that you may have been exposed to.

Universities will not tolerate any form of sexual assault or harassment and are dedicated to ensuring that students have the safe and enjoyable university experience they deserve. In Nottingham, where 15 reports of needle spiking were made in October, police identified only one case where a victim's injury "could be consistent with a needle". The reports, alongside a significant number of drink spiking cases, have led to a nationwide conversation about the crime and inspired a boycott of nightclubs and bars dubbed ‘ Girls Night In’. Claims of spiking by injection have been propagated on social media, alongside other claims of drink spiking.

reports of alleged needle spiking have been made to police in September and October so far, according to the National Police Chiefs' Council (NPCC). An attacker would either have to use a very large needle, which would be immediately noticeable to most people, or would have to inject very steadily over a longer period of time—potentially up to 30 seconds—while remaining undetected in a busy nightclub or bar. Use them with caution because they can really sink into the track, requiring effort to get them out again.