WOMEN enjoying nights out in Huddersfield this Christmas have been given an urgent warning: Watch Your Glasses.
The plea from police comes after highly-publicised cases from around the country where women have had their drinks spiked with so-called date rape drugs.
The drugs leave the women in a confused state, making them vulnerable to sex attacks.
Police recently carried out tests on drinks in an Essex nightclub - and a staggering one in 25 were found to be spiked with a date rape drug.
But Huddersfield police have warned that people could slip other drinks or drugs into women's drinks to make them less able to fend off a sexual approach.
Pc Dave McSweeney, of Huddersfield police, said: "We have had no reports of this happening in Huddersfield - and we don't want to. That's why we are putting out this warning before the Christmas season gets under way.
"We would urge people - especially women - to take sensible precautions.
"Don't leave your drinks with strangers or on bars. Always leave them with a trusted friend.
"And if you do start to feel strange or disorientated, stay with your friends or alert the nightclub staff."
Pc McSweeney added: "People will be out having a great time this Christmas. Just don't let your guard down too much.
"All the talk these days is of so-called date rape drugs, but be aware that people could slip an extra `short', such as vodka or gin - or other drugs - into your drink.
"Don't trust strangers, no matter how friendly they appear to be."
After the spiked drinks were found in the Essex nightclub, police said sexual assault was not the only motive.
A spokesman said: "I don't think the only motive is sexual assault or date rape. The main motivation is amusement and for other offences, such as theft or robbery."
