New Zealanders urged to be vigilant for drink spiking, 'suspicious behaviour' this summer

New Zealanders are being warned to be vigilant for drink spiking this summer, with police saying any illegal or inappropriate behaviour won't be tolerated.

Det Insp Scott Beard, of Auckland, says while there's been no notable increase in drink spiking in the city, people should still be vigilant to suspicious behaviour.

He said there's a good rule New Zealanders can follow.

"There is no tolerance for any inappropriate or illegal behaviour.

"The best rule of thumb is to always keep an eye on your own drink and don’t accept drinks from a stranger."

And the message this summer remains around people looking after their friends.

"If someone has had too much to drink, make sure they get home safely," Beard said.

The warning comes as New Zealanders are also being urged to be careful when meeting new people or online during the holidays. 

Beard, who oversees Auckland City's sexual assault team, said several reports of sexual offenses involving dating apps are received each week.

Dating apps that are popular include Tinder, Bumble, Grindr, and Badoo, he said.

"Anecdotally, our information suggests there is around one report a week to police in Auckland this year relating to sexual offending involving dating apps."

Beard said this type of offending is often underreported.

"Historically we have dealt with increases in reports of sexual offending to police over the warmer summer months in dating and nightlife settings."

While there's nothing to suggest there has been a rise in sexual offending involving apps, Beard said people have the right to be safe in their dating lives.

"It pays to be vigilant with people you don’t know - whether that's online or in-person."

If you have witnessed or experienced sexual harassment or assault and would like to speak to someone, you could call the HELP support service.