It is important therefore that young people remain particularly vigilant at this time of year

Patricia Lewsley Assembly member

"It is important that we raise awareness of this problem and make young people, in particular, aware of the dangers of leaving drinks unattended or letting other people buy them drinks," she said.

"The Rape Crisis Centre has pointed out that it is not only women who are at risk.

"There have been many cases in which men have also had their drinks spiked and been sexually assaulted.

"Over the Christmas period, we tend to spend more time socialising, so it is important therefore that young people remain particularly vigilant at this time of year and take care of themselves."

The Rape Crisis Sexual Abuse Centre has said young women are particularly at risk.

Eileen Calder: "Young women are in most danger"

"We get many more calls from people who believe their drinks have been spiked than those who have actually been sexually assaulted," said Eileen Calder, a spokesperson for the centre.

"We believe that the men who do this may well spike the drinks of four or five women and pick out the one who ends up most vulnerable at the end of the night.

"It is something that everyone needs to be aware of.

"There are cases as well where men have also been drugged in this way so it is not just a problem for women and not just for young women although at this time of the year at Christmas, young women in the 20-30 age group are probably the biggest danger group."

The Rape Crisis Centre has offered free support and counselling to victims of rape and abuse in Northern Ireland since it opened in 1982.