October 25, 2003
Parents rush to hire bouncers
Teenagers crashing parties thanks to "swarming" and text messaging continues to be a problem in Australia (cf previous June entry Teenagers gatecrash thanks to SMS).
According to an article today (well, dated tomorrow because of the time zone) in the Herald Sun, Queensland parents are hiring private bouncers to help control their children's end-of-school parties.
"The demand follows the heightened profile of what one criminologist has called "swarming" – dozens or even hundreds of people converging on suburban house parties.
In Sydney in June, a teenager was killed by gatecrashers at a party in the city's west. And in Perth in February, hundreds of gatecrashers pelted police with bottles and rocks when a party got out of hand.
Queensland Security Association secretary Bob Spreadworthy said: "Kids get to the age where they want parties and are using the Internet and SMS to advertise it – which is how gatecrashers find out."
Since August, two or three families a week have been registering parties with police.
Police issue a Party Safe pack that includes a guide for parents such advising neighbours, banning BYO alcohol, and not advertising the party on the Net or SMS. More information on the Queensland Police Service website".
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