'Keep an eye on your drink'; Dorset Police advice to avoid getting spiked
A national boycott of nightclubs is taking place tonight.
Dorset Police are warning people to keep an eye on their drinks on a night out, as night club boycotts take place over spiking incidents including needle spiking across the country.
The 'Girls Night In' campaign is organising the nationwide boycott tonight to raise awareness of the issue.
The group says it recognises it's not just women who are targeted.
Dorset Police is issuing advice to help everyone stay safe while they are 'out out'.
• Never leave your drink unattended
• Don't accept a drink from someone you don't know
• Keep an eye on your friends' drinks
• Stay away from situations that you don't feel comfortable with
• If someone appears very intoxicated do not leave them unattended or with a stranger, make sure they are safe
• Let someone know where you are and what time you expect to be home, especially if you're going on a date with someone you don't know
• Don't give out too much information to someone you've just met, such as your address
• It's important to remember that if you've already been drinking, it may make you less aware of any danger.
A spokesperson said:
" If your drink has been spiked you may not be able to see, smell or taste any difference. However, symptoms you may experience could include feeling drowsy, confused and finding it difficult to speak or move, feeling drunker than you should and not remembering what you have done.
"If your drink has been spiked you should tell someone you trust, such as a friend or member of staff. If you are alone, ask the pub landlord or bar manager to call a trusted friend for you. Your friend, or someone you trust, should take you to the nearest accident and emergency department and tell the medical staff your drink may have been spiked. If you need to urinate and cannot wait for medical/police attendance, store the urine in a clean container and keep it in the fridge for later collection. Report any cases of suspected drink spiking to the police as soon as you can."
The 'Girls Night In' campaign has launched a petition to introduce mandatory searches for nightclub guests upon entry.