Under-age drinkers are buying fake driving permits over the internet

Under-age drinkers are buying fake driving permits over the internet to get served in bars and off-licences.

Police and door staff have seized cards which can be bought online for £40 or less.

The most popular is the fake international driving permit which, at first glance, is similar to a genuine United Kingdom driving licence.

Police in Market Harborough were alerted to the fakes recently when several youngsters tried to get into clubs or buy alcohol.

Sergeant Pete Jelbert, of Harborough police, said: “It has become apparent that these fake IDs are freely available as ‘novelty’ items from various unscrupulous websites.

“We are concerned because on a busy Friday night in a local pub these cards may be accepted by door or bar staff.”

One off-licence manager in Market Harborough said teenagers were regularly attempting to buy drink using the permits.

Claire Middleton, of Bargain Booze in the High Street, said: “Fake ID is a real problem and I have instructed all my staff to be on the look out.

“The international driving permit is the favourite and very tricky to spot. It is identical to the latest UK driving licence save for the wording.

“We get them at least once a week. At the weekend I challenged one lad and attempted to confiscate the card. He got shirty so I informed the police instead.”

Police and bar staff in the town have managed to seize some cards.

Police Community Support Officer Rob Sleath, who polices the town’s pubs and clubs, said “The easy availability of these fake IDs is what is worrying. If these were presented to busy staff in a dimly-lit bar, problems could occur.”

He said possessing a fake ID was not an offence but it was illegal to use them as proof of age to buy alcohol.

One website offers a range of fake IDs. The cards are produced in Spain and mailed back to the customer.

Prices range from £10 for a proof of age or student card, to £40 for the fake international driving permit.

The problem of fake IDs bought over the internet surfaced in Leicester more than a year ago.

Kev Whelan, spokesman for Hinckley Pubwatch, said: “Members of our group have been alerted to them.”

Mr Whelan, who runs the Bar Vis-a-Vis, said: “They are very convincing and look like a driving licence at first glance. They are often used by 17-year-olds who are chancing their arm.”

He said: “To avoid doubt now, Hinckley Pubwatch members insist on UK driving licences or passports only.”

Police are asking people who know anyone using fake IDs to call police on 0116 222 2222 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.