The Harvard University Police Department has received information from the Boston and Cambridge Police Departments that they have seen an increase in reports of spiked beverages at bars in their cities.
Drink spiking is when an offender adds a scentless, colorless and tasteless drug in the drink of an unsuspecting victim. The effects of drink spiking vary. Symptoms could include loss of balance, visual impairment, confusion, or nausea. Drink spiking is a crime.
The Harvard University Police Department would like to remind all community members of the following ways to safeguard yourself and others from drink spiking:
- Do not accept drinks from strangers
- If someone you do not know offers you a drink and you accept, go to the bar with them and have the drink poured and served directly to you
- If you did not see your drink poured, do not drink it
- If you are unsure about any of the ingredients, don't drink it
- Keep an eye on your friends and their drinks
- Never leave your drink unattended
- Avoid sharing drinks with others
- Try to always be in the company of a trusted friend
- Please be aware of any uncharacteristic behavior from your acquaintances, and be wary of strangers attempting to separate individuals from their friends
- Should you observe any individual who appears to be in distress, wandering alone late at night, or dressed unsuitably for the weather, be sure to contact the police immediately.
- If you believe your drink may be spiked or observe an individual spiking someone else’s drink, immediately call the police
The Harvard University Police Department is available to assist any member of the University community in an emergency. If you have encountered a possible drink spiking incident, please contact the Harvard University Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division at 617-495-1796. In addition there are numerous resources both on and off campus to assist community members.
Harvard University Health Services (HUHS)
617-495-5711
Behavioral Health, HUHS
617-495-2323
http://huhs.harvard.edu/services/behavioral-health
Counseling & Mental Health Services, HUHS
617-495-2042
https://camhs.huhs.harvard.edu/
For questions about this advisory, please contact the Harvard University Police Department's Public Information Officer, Steven G. Catalano, at 617-495-9225 or by email at steven_catalano@hupd.harvard.edu.
Disseminated at 3:00 PM on February 17, 2022.