Police warning to under 18's fraudulently using ID

Police are issuing a warning to young people in Barrow as increasing numbers of under 18s are attempting to fraudulently use friends’ and relatives’ ID to get into pubs and clubs in Barrow.

Every weekend, officers are being handed around five forms of identification that door and bar staff have confiscated after they were used fraudulently.

Sergeant Ian McClymont who has responsibility for policing of the night time economy in Barrow said: “The door staff who work at the pubs and clubs in Barrow have become efficient at identifying underage people who are trying to con their way into their premises.

“We have a good working relationship with licensees and door staff in the area and we continue to encourage and support the essential work they do to prevent the sale of alcohol to those underage.

“The number of passports and driving licenses that are handed to us is worrying, and I don’t think youngsters realise the serious consequences of using somebody else’s ID. By conning your way into licensed premises you are committing fraud - it is a criminal offence that could see you sent to prison.

“It can also be a massive inconvenience for the friend or relative that lends a minor their ID. We send all the confiscated driving licences to the DVLA and it will be the responsibility of the owner to reapply for their license. The passports that have been confiscated are also sent to the Home Office so the owner will have to reapply.

“It is considered a privilege, not a right, to possess a British passport and abusing a passport in this way is considered serious. There is no guarantee that the person will be re-issued with another passport.

“I’d urge friends and relatives to stop and think before lending someone their ID. We are fast approaching summer when people will be planning to travel abroad on holiday. If you lend out your passport, expect to have it seized and you could have your summer holiday plans spoiled.”