Caution On Party Planning

Illawarra Mercury

Wednesday January 16, 2008

By TOM STURROCK

IT it every parent's nightmare. While away on a relaxing holiday, their teenage son throws a house party that spirals wildly out of hand. Police are called and neighbours are outraged.

An extreme version of a familiar saga occurred this week in the Melbourne suburb of Narre Warren, where 16-year-old Corey Delaney's "get-together with a few mates" drew 500 revellers to his family home.

When the party spilled out onto the street and neighbours' properties were threatened, police arrived. A dog squad and police helicopter were required to defuse the situation.

A feature of the story has been the role of technology in turning a small party into a riot. An open invitation was made across the internet and further details circulated via SMS.

Wollongong police yesterday outlined a series of precautions parents could take to ensure the same chaos never engulfs their family home.

First and foremost, police urge hosts to contact police beforehand and provide the details of the party.

"If uninvited guests arrive, people should call the police," Senior Constable Mary Patterson said.

"If we know where the party is and we know that it's happening, it's much easier for us to keep an eye on it."

She also stressed the importance of parents knowing who was invited and who wasn't. "People should also try to keep the party in their house or backyard. When it spills out onto the street, that's when gatecrashers are alerted to it, and word can spread very quickly via SMS."

Parents may be tempted to employ professional security guards to supervise their children's parties.

Derek Beveridge, managing director of A & D Coastline Security, regularly sends guards to private parties.

"We do quite a bit of it - it gives parents piece of mind and you can't expect police to be everywhere," he said.

"We have some very strict policies - the party must be invite-only and we must know exactly how many people are coming. If alcohol is served, then the parents must be there."

How to party on

? Register with police.

? Hire a professional security guard.

? Ensure the party is strictly invitation only.

? Keep the party contained in the house, backyard or hired venue. If the party spills onto the street, it can attract gatecrashers and threaten neighbours' property.

? If unwanted guests turn up, call police immediately. Don't wait until the size of the group gets out of hand.

? Monitor alcohol closely. If guests are under-age, anyone who supplies alcohol is breaking the law.