Protect yourself from being spiked: It's happened to one in four. Now experts reveal what type of drink's the safest - and what to do if it happens to you

Party season may be in full swing but, sadly, drink spiking has become a familiar hazard to revellers in the UK, with one in four people saying they have fallen victim to this dangerous crime. One in four people say they have fallen victim to drinks being spiked, a survey has found FIRST, DO YOUR RESEARCH ‘Look for places that are taking an active stance on drink spiking when it comes to safeguarding their customers, with specific policies in place,’ says Tyrell. Sylvia Oates, chief executive of hospitality brand Six Till Six and ambassador for Ask For Angela, the national scheme to help anyone who is feeling vulnerable on a night out, says: ‘Although we all know not to accept drinks from strangers, and only to leave your drink with someone you know well, it’s still crucial you stay alert to dangers of new acquaintances. For instance, would you really entrust your safety to a friend of a friend who you barely know or have only just met?’ Sylvia Oates, from hospitality brand Six Till Six, says it's crucial for revellers to stay alert to the dangers posed by new acquaintances when it comes to drinks being spiked BE CLEAR WITH FRIENDS More focus needs to be on preventing people spiking in the first place – and often incidents are much closer to home than you might realise. ‘Spiking can involve giving someone alcohol without their knowledge or more alcohol than they were expecting,’ says the Met.