A trickle of altered IDs usually makes their way across alcohol harm prevention officer Sergeant Steve Jones’ desk. However, the first two weeks of February — which has coincided with the return of tertiary students to Dunedin — has seen that trickle turn into a flood.
"There's a lot of first-year university students who are still 17 ... a lot of their mates and people in their halls [of residence] are 18 and they want to go out and have a good time.
"Some of them try to manufacture their IDs to make them look older — I’d probably say about 80% of the fake IDs that we get have come from bars and licensed premises," Sgt Jones said.
He said about 50% of the year's fraudulent IDs would come through in the next two weeks.
When an altered ID, or an ID that belongs to someone else, is confiscated by bar staff, it is handed to police, who contact the owner or call offenders’ parents.
"There's a raft of fines available for altering a document or altering an identification, or even presenting an identification which isn't your own ... generally they start at about $250."
Usually, a call to mum and dad by Sgt Jones is enough for the offender to smarten up their act.
Sgt Jones said there were certain social pressures that came with being underage and moving to Dunedin for university.
"They're going out and having fun, and you might be the only 16 or 17-year-old who can't join their friends. We understand that ... but engaging in altering a government document, no matter the pressures, you’re going to get in trouble. Please don’t do it.
"An evidence-of-age document like a driver's licence is a government document, so you could potentially end up in court," Sgt Jones said.
Security staff, bottlestore staff and bar staff can "pick an altered ID usually just by touch".
He said there were many methods of faking an ID, some more sophisticated than others, but most could be picked up straight away.
Confiscated IDs are sent to NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi to be destroyed.
"I would recommend for these young teenagers — especially the ones who are turning 18 within a couple of months of landing in Dunedin — to just wait. Be patient ... your time will come."
