YOUTHS are being warned they have a passport to trouble if they tamper with official documents.

Police have spoken out after a 17-year-old Northwich youth tried to change the date of birth on his passport so he could buy booze.

Lostock and Wincham PC Fiona Datoo warned: 'Tampering with any type of legal document to amend identity details is a serious issue, especially in today's society where identity fraud and international terrorism issues are constantly in the headlines.

'I'm satisfied on this occasion that the reason for attempting to change a passport was not especially sinister. But the teenager concerned still received a reprimand which means he has a police record.'

Tampering with legal documents is classed as 'making of a false instrument' in the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act of

1981. In the most serious cases, offenders can be locked up for 10 years.

In this instance, the passport was sent for destruction and the holder will need to buy a new one - if the Passport Office agrees to issue one. PC Datoo said: 'In some cases, a person may be refused a new passport. Even if they are given one, the cost is not cheap, so there are serious implications for young people who are trying to get around licensing laws.'

Police were given the passport by an eagle-eyed member of staff who asked the boy for ID when he tried to buy alcohol.

PC Datoo added: 'The staff member was right to keep hold of the document and make the police aware. If anyone finds themselves in similar circumstances, they should do the same.'