Gatecrashers end the party

By Rebecca Fraser
POLICE shut down a debutante celebration party in Hampton Park on Saturday night after an invasion by gatecrashers.
The party, held at the Hampton Park Community Centre, was called off about 10.15pm when hosts alerted police to the presence of a number of unwanted guests.
Police units from Springvale, Dandenong, Endeavour Hills and Cranbourne were called and put an abrupt end to the celebrations.
Acting Senior Sergeant Nicholas Vallas, of Narre Warren police, said there were 300 guests at the invitation-only party and security staff had been hired.
He said there had initially been no problems, but by 10pm some uninvited guests had arrived and, at the request of party hosts, police shut down the party.
There were no injuries to police or those in attendance and no one had been charged.
Sen Sgt Vallas said the police youth resource officer would follow up the matter within local schools in an attempt to avoid similar situations and promote party-safe awareness.
“It (the party) was well run and organised and unfortunately it got out of control through no fault of the hosts,” he said.
Sen Sgt Vallas urged party holders to register their functions with police and give their local police station forewarning if they were planning to organise a large celebration.
“People need to alert police early if they are hosting a big party and give us plenty of notice so we can organise the rostering of staff,” he said.
“By registering a party it can mean a more safe and pleasant environment for all concerned.”