Nantwich Police have vowed to ramp up their checks on fake IDs being used by younger people trying to access licenced premises.
Local officers say they are working with members of the town’s Pubwatch scheme to carry out more proactive targeting of those using fake IDs.
And this could include more visits to family homes in the town where young people using such fake IDs are living.
Nantwich Police told a Nantwich Town Council meeting: “Pubwatch is extremely successful in this area, and more and more are coming forward saying there has been an increased use of fake IDs.
“We were handed a large stack of IDs used by kids trying to get into pubs in the town at the last meeting.
“What we are trying to implement is to get copies of IDs so we crime these and deal with these individuals.
“We are working with the night time economy before it becomes a wider issue. We want to be a shining example in how to deal with this issue.”
Officers pledged that every individual who attempts to use a fake ID to enter licensed premises will be visited by the police.
Fake IDs include young people using the real ID of an older sibling or person and pretending to be them, or by downloading fake IDs off the internet.
“In previous years, we would return these fake IDs to the DVLA,” police added.
“This is not simply about criminalising people, but reinforcing that there are a lot of young and possibly vulnerable people going out at night.”
Cllr Caroline Kirkham asked whether this new crackdown included shops selling alcohol to underage people using fake IDs.
Sgt Matt Stonier added: “Initially, it will be pubs but we are aware if shops selling alcohol and vapes, so we will look to expand our idea to those outlets.
“It’s a positive that the venues are now bringing these fake IDs to us. They are very proactive on the door and coming to us asking for help with this issue.”
They said they had received lots from the White Horse pub on Pillory Street, as well as other venues.
CCTV and other means would be used to help identify people using fake IDs, police added.
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Paul, what opportunities are there in Nantwich for the youth to enjoy? And Nantwich is a town not a city.
Classic Nantwich, living in the past, no wonder the Town is struggling to attract a younger demographic
40 plus years ago, life has changed mostly for the better and inheriting a drinking culture from bygone years is hardly the way forward for the current generation. There are far more opportunities for the current generation to enjoy their “youth” than was in the. 80s , other cities have moved on from the past so should Nantwich
Got to feel for those kids, in the 80’s Nantwich was basically an open house for anyone over 16. No wonder the youth get up to mischief around town if they can go to pubs like we all did back in the day