Operation Lester: Anti-Spiking Campaign

Spiking — through drinks, needles, or other methods — remains a national issue, with students and young people disproportionately affected. Operation Lester is a national police campaign tackling spiking by raising awareness, deterring perpetrators, and helping communities stay safe.

In collaboration with Greater Manchester Police and the Manchester City Council, Breaking Barriers led on the creative direction, production, and delivery of the regional #OpLester campaign, launched during Manchester’s Freshers Week.

The campaign was projected onto the side of one of the city’s most well-known student nightclubs, using bold visuals, quizzes, myth-busters, and clear messaging to engage young audiences. Recognising that most spiking incidents occur in nightlife settings, the campaign was designed to reach people directly where it mattered most.

Working closely with a steering group of young people, we co-developed the creative approach to ensure the campaign reflected real experiences and resonated with student audiences.

Our focus was on shifting the narrative — targeting perpetrators rather than placing responsibility on victims. On-site, Greater Manchester Police patrols engaged with club-goers, sharing safety information and handing out bottle stoppers, spiking test kits and other protective devices to help people feel safer on nights out.