WITH the holiday season in full swing, police are encouraging party organisers to make use of the Victoria Police PartySafe initiative.
The PartySafe program aims to minimise the risk of something going wrong at your party, such as intoxicated guests or gatecrashers ruining your fun.
As part of the program party organisers register their event with local police and are given a kit which includes useful tips to assist in holding successful, enjoyable and safe parties for everyone concerned, including parents, hosts and guests.
There is also a poster which the host can display alerting everyone that the party has been registered with police.
Leading Senior Constable Wendy Willingham, Crime Prevention Officer for Mitchell Police Service Area, said that with Christmas and New Year celebrations, it is important for police to be informed of parties so they are prepared for any potential issues and can better respond in the event of an incident happening.
"On the day of the party, police may attend, or aim to drive past the address during their usual patrols to check it is proceeding safely.
"With a bit of forward planning you can ensure your party gives minimal disruption to your neighbours and others in the local area – minimising risks so that you and your guests can have fun." Leading Senior Constable Willingham said.
Some suggestions for party hosts can be that it is made clear that attendance is by invitation only, with the start and finish time clearly marked on the invitation.
Invited guests should be encouraged to not spread the invitation around to other people.
Discourage advertising the party on the internet, by word of mouth, or by text messages on mobile phones.
With the popularity of social websites, information about parties can be passed on very quickly to a lot of uninvited guests.
Leading Senior Constable Willingham said unfortunately a party can be ruined by only a very small minority.
"In Kilmore last week a teenager’s birthday party was spoilt after two boys were assaulted. "Some gatecrashers were denied access to the party, but ended up in a nearby paddock where the alleged attack took place. Two 16-year-olds required hospital treatment," she said.
Two teenagers, aged 15 and 16, were later apprehended by police and have been charged with several assault-related offences.
Police will also continue to focus on underage consumption and possession of alcohol.
Anyone aware of underage youths gathering in groups, who may be in possession of alcohol, is advised to contact police, who will attend and investigate.
Early detection of this illegal and unsafe activity may prevent an incident from escalating to the point of violence where someone gets seriously injured. It may also prevent any disruption to someone else’s planned party.
PartySafe does not just cater for young people’s events. Weddings, engagement parties, New Years Eve parties and street barbecues can all be registered with police.
The PartySafe kit can be obtained from your local police station or at the website www.police.vic.gov.au.
And of course, it's not just parties than can pose a risk to life and limb at this time of the year.
Police and the TAC are also sending a clear message to road users – break the rules and you will be caught.
Historically the last 12 days of the year have resulted in the highest road fatalities for the year with an average of 16 deaths.
The TAC’s Christmas campaign has put the community on notice that people engaging in risky driving behaviour will be caught before someone gets hurt.
The national Operation RAID is under way and involves a highly visible police presence targeting impaired drivers with an emphasis on local roads.
This will be followed by Operation Agius, which will run through the new year.
Recently released RACV Insurance claims data show that motorists need to take care not just on the roads, but in carparks as well. The figures show that December is the worst month for carpark crashes.
In the past financial year, there were almost 15,000 carparking claims lodged by RACV Insurance members, about 41 bingles per day, with an average repair bill of $1650.
Nearly one in ten accidents in car parks was in December.
RACV Insurance General Manager Paul Northey says shoppers need to be patient when driving and parking in shopping areas and to take extra care at busy times.
"These centres are attracting more and more people increasingly frustrated by the volume of traffic, especially at peak sales times such as Christmas," he said.






