Gatecrashers turn on police

By Callan Date
TWO police officers were assaulted and three men were bashed after a Berwick party was gatecrashed on Sunday morning.
Police were called to the Evan Road house about 12.30am after a mob of 40 uninvited guests became violent after being denied entry to the party.
Several fights erupted as the swarm of people spilled from the front yard of the property on to the street.
Three police cars attended and two officers set upon while attempting to quell the violence.
One officer suffered bruising to his leg and elbow while trying to arrest a man who was described as out of control.
Police used capsicum spray to subdue the 18-year-old Officer resident.
He was arrested and charged on summons with several offences, including assaulting police and resisting arrest.
The second officer received facial injuries during the scuffle. Both members returned to work immediately.
Three men attending the party were also injured after standing their ground and denying entry to the uninvited mass.
A 28-year-old Narre Warren man was hit over the head with a brick and suffered a deep gash to his head.
He required medical attention and received five stitches to close the wound.
Two Berwick men, aged 25 and 27, were also injured after being assaulted by a gatecrasher.
Both men suffered minor cuts and bruises to the head but didn’t require medical attention.
Narre Warren Senior Sergeant Gerry Hengel said it was extremely concerning to see police officers being assaulted.
“It’s disturbing to see the public don’t see the problems with holding private parties.
“You get hosts that are a bit naive and don’t realise what can go wrong,” Sen Sgt Hengel said.
He said 16th and 18th birthday parties often posed the most problems with masses of young people drinking excessive alcohol and turning up to parties uninvited.
“It is important that people do not spread the knowledge that there is a party being held.
“Sometimes people just open up the house for anyone to come and that can be a recipe for disaster.”
Sen Sgt Hengel said a way to combat violence and unruly behaviour at parties was to register the event with the Party Safe program.
He said a Party Safe registration let police know an event would be taking place and allowed routine patrols of the area.
“We can have anywhere between 15 and 20 registered parties every weekend just in the Narre Warren area,” he said.
Sen Sgt Hengel said the majority of registered parties were held without incident.
“We are trying to create a safe environment for everyone and hosts have to take more responsibility in hosting parties,” he said.
Ideally, parties are registered at least two weeks before being held.
To obtain more information about the Party Safe program contact Narre Warren Police Station on 9705 3111.