POLICE are frustrated by the lack of security at teen parties in the area in recent months.

Senior Sergeant Trevor Teer said police were tearing their hair out after being called out to close down a number of celebrations that had spiralled out of control.

“We’re getting frustrated with the irresponsibility shown by parents not providing adequate security at parties,” Sen Sgt Teer said.

Residents were livid after a party in Pakenham saw police called twice on Saturday night.

Last month the Gazette reported that a 19-year-old was taken to hospital after being stabbed at an 18th birthday celebration that went out of control. At least 300 young people, including many gatecrashers, attended the event, held in a paddock.

Also last month, police shut down a registered Pakenham party after a brawl occurred outside the premises when carloads of gatecrashers arrived.

Meanwhile, police are still looking for youths who assaulted people with an iron bar or bat at a Bunyip party. They say 150 people were invited to the event, but up to 300 people were there when scenes turned ugly at the16th birthday celebration in Wattletree Road.

Sergeant Graham Higginbotham said that while parties should be registered with police, parents also needed to provide adequate security or risk the celebration turning into chaos.

“We ask people if they are going to have a large party to notify police at least three weeks in advance,” he said.

“They should also ensure there are sufficient parents there to act as security or even consider the services of a professional security firm.

“Proof of invitation is imperative, the venue should be suitable and transport to and from the party should be organised, as well as an official end time.”

Police have recently launched a program to better educate young people about the dangers associated with underage drinking and, they hope, decrease the level of criminal and anti-social behaviour involving teens in the area.

Pakenham youth resource officer Senior Constable Sharon Patterson said teenage drinking was on the increase in the shire and that the Your Choice program gave police an extra option when dealing with young people who had committed alcohol-related offences.

“Previously young people would have been fined or cautioned if detected drinking, possessing alcohol or consuming alcohol on licensed premises whilst underage,” she said.

“This program supports local schools in their current drug education polices and reinforces the messages being given to school students. It also aims to inform those young people not attending school, often more at risk, and uses the court as a last resort for young offenders.”

Police are also hoping to meet the Cardinia Council and come up with further strategies to combat problems associated with teen parties held in the area.