Crowded pubs and clubs are full of people enjoying themselves ... but many don't realise how easy it is to put themselves in danger.

By leaving half-filled glasses unattended on tables they are providing the perfect opportunity for a substance to be slipped in which could at best leave them disorientated and at worst unconscious.

Although the reason for spiking a drink may be for "a laugh", to rob them of cash or bank cards or even sheer maliciousness, the most common and frightening cause is to carry out drug facilitated sexual abuse (DFSA).

The three major groups of drugs used in drug rape and other drink-spiking crimes are GHB, Ketamine and Benzodiazepines which include Rohypnol and valium.

All the drugs act as an anaesthetic, reducing a person's ability to resist rape or robbery and often causes the victim to co-operate with the criminal. After a few hours, the victim will fall asleep and wake up with little or no memory of what happened when she or he was under the influence of the drug.

These drugs stay in the system for a relatively short time – as little as 12 hours for GHB – so even if a victim wants to go to the police and press charges, the evidence may have disappeared.

Although police say the problem is not serious in the Falkirk area, they are keen to raise awareness and put people, particularly young females, on their guard

A recent initiative involving Central Scotland Police highlighted just how easy it is for someone to slip something into a glass.

It was run by the police, Falkirk and District Town Centre Management (FDTCM), Falkirk Council and Central Scotland Rape Crisis.

On just one Saturday night, around 1000 special 'spikey' plastic stoppers were distributed to stop drinks being contaminated, while 1000 custom-made cocktail sticks with a warning to be on their guard were also put in unsuspecting people's drinks.

PC Cheryl Hannah, town centre liaison officer, said: "Everyone has a responsibility for their own safety and should be careful in what they
drink in terms of quantities and be careful not to mix their drinks.

"Although there is not a problem with drink spiking in Falkirk, it is important to remember that everyone is at potential risk, both males and females."

Lindsay McLean of FDTCM said: "Falkirk's night-time economy offers pubgoers a safe and enjoyable drinking experience and it is important
to recognise that Falkirk is not a problem area for drink spiking.

"The purpose of this educational exercise was to encourage customers to take responsibility for their own personal safety which should always be a consideration when enjoying a night out."

Posters warning drinkers to be on the lookout for drinks being spiked are now on display in all town centre Pubwatch premises.