Fake ID Crackdown In Northampton

6 April 2011, 12:18 | Updated: 6 April 2011, 12:27

Police in Northampton are working with partners as part of Operation Nightsafe to clamp down on the increasing prevalence of false ID being presented in the town’s licensed premises.

Under-age drinkers who present false ID are committing a criminal offence and Northampton Pubwatch will be looking to ban all offenders from its premises in the town until they reach the age of 18 ½.

Sergeant Mark Worthington, community safety sergeant in Northampton, said: “We are encountering more and more cases of false ID being presented by those who legally are not old enough to drink. These false IDs are either being produced from the Internet or identification from friends and siblings is being shown. It is important to stress to these young people that by presenting false ID they are actually committing a criminal offence. And while we are not looking to criminalise young people, we will clamp down on those youngsters who repeatedly look to push these boundaries."

“In the first instance, Police will send out to warn them that they have broken the law, and Pubwatch will impose a blanket ban on offending individuals, to the extent that they would be banned from their own 18th birthday celebrations on licensed premises. If the message still does not get home, we will enter into a more formal process. Siblings and friends who knowingly allow others to use their ID are also committing offences and will be dealt with in the same fashion.”

“All Pubwatch members in Northampton have signed up to the initiative and we have already received some very positive feedback as a result.”

Operation Nightsafe is a countywide operation tackling alcohol-related crime and disorder.

Sergeant Worthington added: “Under-age drinking is a serious concern for all of us on Operation Nightsafe and the licensing trade has a major responsibility in helping us manage this problem. Notwithstanding the health risks for those who drink under-age, youngsters under the influence of alcohol become extremely vulnerable and could easily become a victim of crime. Equally, drunken youngsters often behave anti-socially and become involved in criminality, and this has a major impact on our communities.”