Dating dangers include the threat of drinks being spiked

Officers from Dorset Police will use role-play to train agency staff on the dangers that clients face, such as drink-spiking, date rape and violence.

The agencies will also meet on a regular basis to share advice and draw up a code of conduct.

It follows the launch of a similar scheme in 2003, in which the county's pubs and clubs came together to tackle violence, safety issues and alcohol abuse.

A police spokesman said there would always be dangers involved in meeting up with strangers, and by working with the agencies, they hoped to minimise the risk.

Crime reduction officer, Pc Ian Curtis, who has set up the scheme, said: "People also need to be careful not to give away too much personal information, especially if using online agencies.

"It is very easy to lie on the internet, so if you meet someone online make sure you have phoned them a number of times and are sure of their identity before going on a date."