Police warning after forged IDs used to buy alcohol

Officers were called after the 16-year-old from Elloughton tried to buy alcohol at Sainsbury's in Willerby Square last Sunday night using a fake driving licence bought off the internet.

The cashier became suspicious and called police.

The boy was questioned and was given a police reprimand for two years after admitting using the fake identity.

Officers in Willerby, Anlaby and Kirkella say they are getting an increasing number of calls from supermarkets needing help after refusing to let youngsters buy drink.

Pc Andy White has seized several fake identity documents from youngsters recently.

He said: "There is a reason why alcohol should not be purchased or consumed by people under the age of 18, and as a neighbourhood police officer for many years I regularly see the undesired effects alcohol has on youths."

He said the supermarkets knew what their obligations were and as a result youngsters were resorting to buying fake identity documents, including driving licences and passports at very little cost, but risking a reprimand or conviction.

He added: "Parents and guardians need to be aware of the implications, their sons and daughters could be left with if they attempt to use false documentation to buy alcohol or other items when they are not legally old enough to do so."

The websites were not committing an offence as the cards could not be used as genuine ID.

More than 10 million people in England drink more than the recommended daily amount.

According to Alcohol Concern, up to 22,000 deaths a year in England and Wales are associated with consuming too much alcohol – twice as many as 20 years ago.