Scanners to keep crime in check

A new ID scanning system has gone live in Plymouth to help police tackle underage drinking and alcohol-related disorder.

The computerised ID scanners were installed in eight pubs and clubs in the city centre in the run up to Christmas.

The scanners expose fake IDs being tried by underage drinkers and quickly identify troublemakers who are already banned from licensed premises.

Police and venues can electronically update and share photos and details of known offenders through the devices.

The technology is designed to help police crack down on drunk and disorderly behaviour, assaults, vandalism and other criminal behaviour.

It is the first stage of a long-term project by police, the Plymouth Community Safety Partnership (CSP) and licensed premises to broaden the use of scanners in Plymouth.

The £28,000 partnership project has been funded from money seized from criminals under the Proceeds of Crime Act, the CSP and licensed premises.

Superintendent Chris Singer said: “This technology will be a tremendous asset in the fight to reduce crime and disorder at night in the city.

“They have already been used to good effect in Truro and Newquay where they have notably cut crime and alcohol-fuelled antisocial behaviour in the night-time economy.

“The scanners enable venues to quickly stop underage drinkers from entering their premises by eliminating fake ID. They tell a venue right away if a person is trying to get inside with a doctored ID or false document.

“By sharing information on offenders we aim to make the city centre a hostile place for troublemakers to socialise, particularly those known to us through ASBOs and drinking banning orders.”

Police have already received positive feedback from one nightclub in Plymouth which uploaded five bans in one night following the introduction of the scanner.