Teens getting fake ID cards

Teenagers in South Shropshire are buying fake ID cards from the internet for just £5 so that they can buy alcoholic drinks in local pubs and village halls, it was revealed today.Youngsters have become involved in a scam where they order blank identification cards and scan their own photograph and details onto them.

Police today appealed for information about the scam.

Sergeant John Evans, of South Shropshire police, said: "If anyone has information about this, I would urge them to contact their local station on 08457 444888."

Two south Shropshire councillors admitted fake ID cards were rife and said urgent action was needed.

Councillor Heather Kidd said: "Venues now insist on seeing ID cards before serving alcohol, but the youngsters are getting around it.

"They are ordering fake ID cards from the internet for as little as £5.

"We are aware of youngsters actually doing this and getting away with it.

"As a teacher and a parent of teenagers, I have become increasingly aware bogus ID cards are now becoming available via the internet.

"These range from a rather obvious fake for £5, up to quite sophisticated items with a bogus holograph which look quite convincing for £20."

Councillor Parry, community safety champion on both South Shropshire District Council and Shropshire County Council, said: "I urge retailers to make sure only ID cards with the PASS holograph are accepted as proof of age."