By Melissa Meehan
Underage youths are coming to a store near you armed with fake IDs.
Region Five Crime Prevention Officer Senior Constable Eddy MacDonald warned shopkeepers to remain aware and alert to underage youths using fake proof of age cards to buy cigarettes and alcohol.
“There is a concern for us, in the lead up to schoolies week, that underage kids will be using these forms of proof of identity to purchase alcohol,” Sen Con MacDonald said.
He said a recent number of fake identification cards made it harder to determine whether the card was genuine, but a few simple steps could help shopkeepers recognise a fake.
“A border around the laminate would be the best example, genuine cards have laminate to the ends,” he said.
“As well as air bubbles under the laminate – there are never bubbles under a real licence.”
He said those caught using a fake identification card could face criminal charges.
“They run the risk of being charged with identification fraud, and other offences under the Crimes Act,” he said.
“Not to mention possessing a false drivers licence, what these kids don’t realise is that they could end up with a criminal record.
“Our concern is that these kids are using the identifications without realising the repercussions.”
He said shopkeepers who suspect a fake ID is being used to purchase alcohol or cigarettes should ask for another form of identification and call police.
“If they leave before police arrive take down a description of them and keep the ID as well,” he said. Anyone who knows who is making or selling the fake identification cards is asked to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
