CAMPAIGNERS against drug rape are urging women to be on their guard while out socialising as National Personal Safety Day gets under way today.

Graham Rhodes, chief executive of The Roofie Foundation, Britain's only specialised drug rape agency, based in Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, said the only way to be safe was to be aware.

"There are two major reasons for people to have their drinks spiked," he said.

"One is malevolent, to commit robbery, the other is to commit drug rape. But awareness actually creates prevention."

According to Mr Rhodes, the impending Christmas period is the worst time of year for drug rape.

"People think they are safe because they are at a works' party, but more people are drugged at these type of events than they imagine," he warned.

"People also tend to go out more at this time of year, including those who may never normally go out. They are more vulnerable because they may not be as streetwise."

The charity's most recent statistics, from its beginning in 1997 up to December last year, revealed that they had received 6,650 reports of rape and sexual abuse - 578 in the North-East.

The drugs used are powerful sedatives, such as Rohypnol, GHB and Ketamine, which often have no colour, smell or taste.

Advice to avoid drug rape includes never leaving food or drinks unattended and declining if a stranger offers to buy a drink.

The Suzy Lamplugh Trust, which organises National Personal Safety Day, also advises women to:

* Carry a personal alarm;

* Avoid listening to music or talking into your mobile on the way home from a night out;

* Tell people when you are expected home;

* Walk against the direction of traffic so cars can't pull up alongside you;

* Have your keys ready so you can enter your home or car quickly.