Security firm boss warns of dangers

at teenagers’ parties

Rebecca Di Nuzzo – Stonnington Leader

YEARS on the beat have taught former police officer Naomi Oakley a thing or two about young people and underage intoxication at house parties.

Parties held by teenagers aged 14 to 16 were a particular area of concern, with some events hosting up to 200 guests and seeing alcohol and drug use.

Aside  from  putting their own safety and that of others at risk, Ms Oakley said some revellers made mistakes that impacted their lives years after the party ended.
“One of my most vivid events was a (18-year-old) teenager that had a party,” she said.

“He decided to have sex with his 14-year-old girl- friend. As a result of this he was charged with a sex offence and placed on the sex offence register.”

Another gathering at a property in Malvern last month had seen one girl rushed to hospital by para- medics after allegedly falling and hitting her head on a bathtub. The girl had allegedly registered a blood alcohol reading of 0.2.

Ms Oakley runs a security firm, U-Nome Security, teaching parents and children about how to party safely. “Major problems can result if parents aren’t involved in the planning stages,” she said.

Prahran Police Senior Sergeant Craig Fitzgerald said residential parties were expected to keep noise to a respectable level in the early hours of the morning and later in the evening.

Failure to lower noise levels if requested could see the host slapped with a $758 fine.

“No doubt there is a spike in parties leading up to the Christmas period and the end of the school year. Police urge parents having parties for kids . . . to register the party with police,” Sen-Sgt Fitzgerald said.