By DANIELLE GALVIN
EMPTY rental properties are apparently being trashed by underage party organisers out for a quick buck.
The latest incident saw a Pakenham house used for a social media fuelled party which was monitored closely by a local parent.
The Pakenham mum, who did not want to be named, contacted the Gazette after the open house party was advertised on Facebook on Saturday 8 March.
She was concerned that the organisers, believed to be between 15-17 years of age, were promoting an illegal house party to be held at a vacant rental property in Wakenshaw Crescent.
“They were spruiking this open house,” she said.
“It appears these kids actually broke into a rental house and trashed it, graffitied the walls.”
From what she could tell, the house was identified as being empty and chosen as the spot for the ’Pakky Party’.
More than 120 youths turned up to drink and party without supervision.
The concerned parent said the young people were from Pakenham, Berwick, Hampton Park and Cranbourne.
“These kids appear to come from quite good homes – they would know right from wrong,” she said.
“I’m not sure how they think it’s acceptable to damage another person’s property.
“It’s trespassing, breaking and entering and they were laughing about it.”
As she watched it unfold on Facebook, the youngsters were peddling lies to their parents about the party.
They were playing it down and telling their parents there would be adults there.
She said the message for parents was to look out for their kids going to parties advertised on Facebook.
“The fact is that they were encouraging fighting to occur and it was dangerous,” she said.
“These are students who go to good schools.”
Senior Sergeant Greg Addis of Pakenham police said if parents were made aware of parties of this kind, they should contact the police.
“Let us know – prior to the event,” he said.
“We can investigate and contact the organisers but we do rely on information from the public and parents.”
Sen Sgt Addis said police would “take action” if they were made aware of similar parties in the area.
He said it wasn’t uncommon for parties to charge entry fees and that was a problem across Melbourne, but he welcomed parents being vigilant online.
