WITH THE festive party season in full swing, Kent police have issued a drug rape warning to revellers. Although no cases have so far been reported, officers are concerned that some substances could be used to spike drinks, rendering a victim helpless and vulnerable to attack.

Now a "keep safe" poster has been devised by the Drug Rape Trust charity which will be displayed in nightclubs and pubs in the district.

The poster was launched at Studio 41 in St George's Place, Canterbury, where the new management is backing the campaign. Drug liaison officer for the district, PC Dale Lowes, said there had been several highly publicised cases but incidents were still very rare.

But he warned it could still represent a threat to women, and men, if they were not careful. He explained: "The message to people in clubs, pubs and parties is to be aware of what they are drinking. In particular, they should not leave their drink unattended when it could be spiked.

"Look out for your friends too and be very suspicious if you see something being put into someone else's drink. If you start to feel woozy when you know you shouldn't be drunk, alert a friend and seek help."

He said victims should always contact police if they believe they have been drugged and raped. He also issued the Drug Rape Trust helpline number of 01702 317695.