Attention News Editor:

News Release                                                            For Immediate Release

                                                                                                                  July 10, 2006

Don’t be Faked Out by Fake ID

Fake ID campaign launched in Grey-Bruce

Many teens under 19 years old use fake ID to buy alcohol and cigarettes. In fact, one in four youths that have tried to buy cigarettes from a store used fake ID (Tobacco Control Journal 2001). By using fake ID, teens are breaking the law and risking a criminal record. Using fake ID is a breach of the Criminal Code, punishable by fines, probation or even jail-time. Public Health Nurse, Kristi Waram states, “Teens also risk becoming addicted to tobacco and alcohol as well as put the health and safety of themselves and others in jeopardy.”

July 10, 2006 marks the launch of the “Don’t be Faked Out by Fake ID” campaign. The campaign is a joint initiative of Grey Bruce FOCUS, Grey Bruce Partners in Health, Crime Stoppers, and Public Health. The awareness campaign, which includes local advertising as well as postcards sent home to parents in the report cards of Grade 10 students, provides a message on how to decrease the use of fake ID in Grey-Bruce.

There are many forms of fake ID including legally issued ID that is altered or borrowed from an older person as well as false ID that looks real.  Acting Sergeant Rob De Groot from Hanover Police Services states, “Ontario driver’s licences don’t need to be returned when drivers pass their test and get their new licence, which makes the licence the most altered form of ID.”

A recent provincial survey of Grade 7 to Grade 12 students in Southwestern Ontario found that, over the past year, 66% drank alcohol, 20% smoked cigarettes and 14% smoked daily (Ontario Student Drug Use Survey, 2005).

Parents can make a difference by ensuring teens destroy their old licence when a new licence arrives. Make sure teens do not have any false or altered ID in their possession. Parents should discuss health and legal risks involved in underage drinking, underage smoking, and using fake ID. They can discourage teens from borrowing an older person’s ID and remind older siblings not to lend ID to their underage relatives or friends.

If you know about fake ID production, contact your local police or, to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS.

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For more information:

Rob De Groot

Acting Sergeant

Hanover Police Services

519-364-2411

Kristi Waram

Public Health Nurse

Grey Bruce Health Unit

519-376-9420 or 1-800-263-3456 ext. 467