As employers our priority is staff welfare. The risk of injury within the security industry is sometimes unavoidable. Some things you can never predict but you can try and put things in place to ensure that these risks are minimised. Assigning adequate security crews to private parties can be a nightmare. Sadly these days gatecrashers are frequently attending private parties armed with various types of weapons and causing issues.
The last 3 gatecrashing groups that I have been informed about have come via our young people. I have confirmed this information via parents and witnesses. The information has been accurate. In all cases I have dealt with each of the gatecrashing groups.
Last week, I was informed about another gatecrashing group based in Dandenong (Victoria) that are targeting parties as far as Kilsyth (Victoria). The last two gatecrashing incidents involving this group have been in Kilsyth and Ferntree Gully, Victoria. The incidents happened prior to christmas. One of these events also had security (although I am not sure if they were professional or unlicensed) These particular gatecrashers are of mixed age between 17 and 21. They are driving their vehicles to these events and are being informed through friends via mobile phones and other forms of social networking
Having more knowledge of gatecrashers and there locations of where they are creating problems would be useful when assigning staff to private events. It would be fantastic if we could log onto the Victoria Police website, search under media/news, and establish what suburbs have had issues in relation to gatecrasher activity. If this can’t be done then maybe it could be added to the Neighbourhood Watch website or similar.
I believe if we were better informed in regards to this activity, parents could plan accordingly, security providers could assign adequate numbers and venue providers could also ensure adequately qualified staff are assisting at these events.
At the moment the lack of knowledge is a work place headache !!
