Force highlights risks of using fake ID

Humberside Police is clamping down on young people using fake ID after licensed premises reported an increasing trend of youngsters attempting to gain entry using fraudulent passports or driving licences – often belonging to older siblings or older friends. The force is working with pubs and clubs across Hull, East Yorkshire, North Lincolnshire and North East Lincolnshire to raise awareness of the implications and dangers of young people using other people’s ID or bogus ID. The message from Humberside Police is that it is not only fraudulent, but also puts young people in a position where the effects of alcohol can leave them extremely vulnerable. It says in some cases they have left themselves exposed through intoxication to becoming extremely ill or even sexually exploited. Inspector Alex Weeks from the force’s community safety unit said: “There are a lot of young people that will try to use a fake ID or someone else’s to get into venues. They see it as something of a success if they get past the door staff. “What they don’t appreciate is that the age restrictions in place are there to protect them, as they are more susceptible to the effects of alcohol. While drunk, young people are more likely to act in an irresponsible manner leaving them vulnerable to being the victim or offender of crime.” He is reminding young people that the use of fake, altered or someone else’s ID, is an offence that can lead to a criminal prosecution for those using the ID or supplying the ID to siblings or friends. Insp Weeks said they were working closely with licensed premises and asking them to seize any fake or fraudulently used ID. “The driving licences and passports that are often used will then be returned to the DVLA or the Passport Office. In the case of the passport, the issuing office can, and often does, then refuse or delay in issuing a replacement given that the document has been returned under fraudulent circumstances,” he added. “Those caught using them may also be visited by officers, re-iterating the issue and taking appropriate action with those involved to prevent further offending.” Insp Weeks said he appreciated that for many young people “getting into clubs or being served in pubs is a game and is often seen as a rite of passage to adulthood”. However, he said the new campaign by Humberside Police will urge young people “not to risk putting themselves in harm’s way or even risking a criminal record, which could limit their future hopes and aspirations”. To support the message, posters have been circulated to licensed premises, schools and colleges and via local authorities. “What many young people don’t appreciate is that there is an impact on licensed premises too,” said Insp Weeks. “For instance, premises where underage drinkers are discovered could have their licence reviewed and face hefty fines – this is unfair when those young people have tricked their way in.” Mark Hall from the Welly nightclub in Hull said the police had the “full support of the management team and security personnel” in the initiative. “The misuse of ID has escalated significantly over the past few years and we see underage drinkers trying to gain entry to The Welly with an older brother’s or sister’s ID, or their own doctored ID, every week,” he added. “What people don’t realise is that using ID falsely is a serious criminal offence, and they could get themselves into serious trouble.” Mr Hall said the practice also puts the clubs and pubs of Hull at risk. “If underage drinkers were discovered in the Welly, for example, we could lose our premises license and we would close down as we can’t trade without one,” he explained. Simon Frankish from the Scunthorpe Pubwatch said it was pleased to see Humberside Police taking a proactive stance on this matter. “We do all we can to ensure that our businesses operate according to the licensing objectives, but it remains a constant challenge for our door teams to keep under-18s out of our venues,” he added. “Not only do we appreciate the