FEARS that rapists spiking drinks with drugs in clubs and pubs are on the rise have led to a police crackdown this week.

Wiltshire Police has launched a campaign aimed at fighting drug-assisted rape, regarded as one of the fastest-growing crimes.

Now police have joined forces with the Community Safety Partnership of Wiltshire and Swindon and Club Ice in Westbury to raise awareness during the festive season.

Kevin Maidment, head of community safety at Wiltshire Constabulary, said: "By launching the Has Your Drink Been Spiked? campaign we aim to raise awareness of this important issue and highlight the dangers.

"Drug-assisted rape is one of the UK's fastest-growing crimes and we want to ensure the public are fully informed about the measures they can take to keep themselves and friends safe on nights out."

Posters, information cards and 'drink guards' hung on the side of glasses left unattended will be used in pubs and clubs including Club Ice.

Drugs used are mostly clear, odourless and tasteless and cause drowsiness and they can lead to the victim falling unconscious.

Effects can last for eight hours and are characterised by memory loss.