New York crackdown on fake IDs leads to nearly 350 being seized, DMV officials say

Local law enforcement seized nearly 350 fake IDs and issued more than 300 citations across New York as part of an annual summer operation to crack down on underage drinking and driving, according to the state’s Department of Motor Vehicles.

Long Island's numbers stood at 62 counterfeit identifications seized and 60 citations issued.

The overall numbers — 349 fake IDs seized and 307 citations issued — represent a downward trend, the DMV said in a news release. The DMV reported its numbers across five regions: Long Island, the Capital Region, mid-Hudson, Central New York and the Finger Lakes. The operation ended on Sept. 29.

Last year, 312 concertgoers were given citations and 389 fake licenses were seized, according to the DMV. The year before that, more than 550 people were charged.

"We hope the message is being heard that summer concerts should be enjoyed without putting health and safety at risk," DMV Commissioner Mark Schroeder said in a statement.

The operation is a joint effort by the DMV, the state Liquor Authority and other law enforcement agencies to prevent underage drinking by checking for fake IDs at summer concert venues and other places young people frequent.

The DMV and local law enforcement also focus on bars and restaurants.

The nonprofit Long Beach Aware, an organization established to address underage drinking and other drug use, runs a similar program in Long Beach with local police to confiscate fake IDs.

Long Beach Aware director Judi Vining said the nonprofit offers offenders a chance to take a three-hour educational class that may help reduce charges. So far this year, about 91 people have gone through the program.

"We hope it's a deterrent," she said.