By ALESHA CAPONE
BRIMBANK police have cautioned residents who are planning parties to be careful of details they post online, after two recent out-of-control events in the municipality.
The latest incident occurred on a Friday night, when police were called to Taree St in Kings Park.
After reports of people fighting in the street, a male with a laceration to his head was transported to hospital for treatment.
Brimbank Police Inspector Chris Gilbert said more than 40 people arrived at the party after it was listed on a social networking site.
“My understanding of this particular incident is there was no real intention for it to get out of control,” he said.
“It was clear to the members attending that the organisers hadn’t expected this number of people to show up.
“Social media unfortunately gives these things a life of their own and takes a lot of control away from the people organising events.”
Late last month, a 15-year-old boy was stabbed twice and a 17-year-old sustained injuries to his head after around 200 youths attended a party in Deer Park.
“As the use of social media expands, so will this sort of thing,” Insp Gilbert said.
“But at the same time, people are getting smarter and they use things like restricted invitations, which don’t allow the invitation to be sent on.”
He advised people holding parties to register their event with the Victoria Police Partysafe program.
“People are entitled to have fun, there’s absolutely no doubt about that,” Insp Gilbert said.
“When organising an event just consider if the venue is licensed, if it will need security and the need to manage the guest list and invitations and that kind of thing.
“It sounds like a lot of work, but it’s not – most kids these days are pretty savvy and know where to find the information you need.”
The inspector said parents of under-age children attending parties should ask how many people would be present, if other parents or adults would be there and whether there would be alcohol available.
Anyone with information about the Deer Park or Kings Park incidents can contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
