A campaign to stop sex attackers spiking the drinks of revellers in the North East has been hailed a success - thanks to the Newcastle Evening Chronicle.

Following an increase in druggings which was highlighted by the Chronicle, police blitzed pubs and clubs in Gateshead with a poster campaign warning women to be on their guard.

Drug rape is one of Britain's fastest-growing crimes - but since the middle of July no more victims have come to light in the area - showing the success of the campaign.

PC Geoff Robson, of Gateshead East Police, said: "We have not had any reports of further incidents in our area which suggests that people have been heeding our advice and have been put on their guard. It has highlighted the problem and raised awareness.

"Since the Chronicle exposed the problem on Tyneside, the dangers from spiked drugs have also been highlighted by the media nationally and the Gateshead campaign is being used as a model by police in other parts of Britain.

"All this has come about since the Chronicle raised awareness about the drug problem. The Chronicle story was the first I had ever seen anywhere about the problem, now a lot of other media have picked up on it.

"If this raises awareness and stops one person becoming a victim, it is a success."

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