Drinkers are being warned to watch their glasses

Reported incidents of drink spiking in the county's pubs and clubs went up by 21% between 2002 and 2003.

The campaign will aim to educate people about the risks of drink tampering, in particular date rape, and will be run with clubs and then expanded to pubs.

Nightclubs will also be given testing devices which can screen for some of the common drugs used in such cases.

Highlighting dangers

Posters showing campaign character Spike the Hedgehog and other promotional materials will be used to warn people to look after their drinks and not to leave them unattended.

Falmouth College of Arts is supporting the initiative by highlighting the dangers to its pupils and one of them, graphic design student Jenny Coen, has designed the campaign poster.

Sergeant Chris Strickland, of the Truro Neighbourhood Team, said: "Thousands of people go out at night and have a good time without a problem.

"However, we want to make them aware that it could happen to them.

"I would stress that the chances of having a drink spiked is still very low. We aim to make it lower still by giving simple advice on ways to prevent drinks being spiked."

The Cornwall and Isles of Scilly Community Safety Partnership and the Government Office South West are also backing the initiative.