Students across South Yorkshire urged to ditch nightclubs later this week amid fears over 'drink spiking'
The issue has been described as an 'epidemic' by campaign groups
Students in South Yorkshire are calling on others across the region to 'boycott' nightclubs later this week.
It's following the start of a UK-wide campaign to tackle what's been described as an 'epidemic' of drink spiking.
Chloe & Alice recently set up the 'Night In' group in Sheffield-they're planning to avoid bars and clubs in the city this Wednesday.
We asked Alice why they're staying in on that particular night:
"Wednesday's a student night. It's a big night for sports teams across the country, who are joining us and choosing not to go out on Wednesday.
"We want to target as many people who will listen to us as we can.
"There have been incidents of spiking in our student clubs, so we know that's where we need to hit.
"It's not a stay at home, don't leave the house kind of message though.
"Go out to a restaurant or the cinema instead, just don't go clubbing for one night, just to show the clubs that we want to be taken seriously and we want things to change."
Meanwhile, Chloe believes that stronger repercussions need to be in place for the perpetrators:
"You can't go out and relax. You can't go out and have a few drinks and feel like you can get back by yourself fine.
"It something which's always on your mind, it's draining. Everyone either has or knows someone who has been affected by this issue.
"It's reached the point now where enough people are invested and enough people of sick of this.
"Everyone deserves to have a fun night out; everyone deserves to just feel safe walking around their own city.
"The fact that we can't at the minute has really flagged up just how badly this needs to happen.
"People are just desperate for change now, so that those found guilty of these types of things are held to account properly.
"Better prevention methods have to be put in place as well.
"People are tired, people are desperate, people are ready to take action."
South Yorkshire Police tell us they're not aware of any increase in reports of spiking and that no incidents of 'spiking by injection' have been flagged to them.
Chief Inspector Stuart Walne said: “I understand that any reports of drinks being spiked at venues in Sheffield are a cause of concern for residents. I would also like to reassure people that we have not had any reports of drinks being spiked by injection.
“We have good relationships with our local venues and our licensing teams are in constant contact with management and staff. We continue to work in partnership to ensure that any incidents are reported to us promptly and action taken.
“We take all reports of this nature seriously. I would urge anyone who has been a victim of drink spiking to report it to us straight away - this enables us to take swift action and identify the offenders.
“I would also like to repeat my previous plea to people to look after each other on nights out. It sounds simple but don’t let your drinks out of your sight and keep an eye on your group. Be vigilant around strangers and report anything suspicious to the venue or the police.
“If you think you’ve been spiked, get to a safe place with people you know. It might be tempting to get outside, but stay with a friend and seek medical attention.”