A DRAMATIC fall in the number of residents registering parties with police has prompted a Wodonga sergeant to call for more online applications.
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Police had 107 parties registered with them in 2012, a number which dropped to 77 last year and just 15 for the first four months of this year.
Sgt Amanda Meagher yesterday said police knew more parties were being held but they were not registered.
“We are not talking about get-togethers in the backyard, but more of the milestone birthdays or after-parties where there are large numbers of guests,” she said.
People can register their party with Victoria Police through Party-Safe, an online form that asks for details including the date, time, location and average age and number of guests.
Sgt Meagher said one of the benefits of registration was that police could keep an eye on the party.
“We are not here to be the party police, we just want everyone to be safe,” she said.
Sgt Meagher said there had been recent horror stories from Melbourne where parties had escalated out of control, with uninvited guests causing thousands of dollars worth of damage.
“By registering we can keep away the gatecrashers,” she said.
“There’s also less likely to be any trouble in the area, mainly because people know we are going to attend.
“Police can also link street damages that occur in the area.”
Sgt Meagher warned against advertising private parties on social media.
“Commonsense should apply when planning a party,” she said.
“Advertising on social media could attract unwanted guests.”
Parties may be registered at any time, even last minute.
“We would rather know about it and the online registration is automatic,” Sgt Meagher said.
Police also advise people to let neighbours know about their party.
Parties can be registered at police.vic.gov.au.
