Net threat

By Sarah Schwager and Shaun Inguanzo
POLICE are warning of the dangers of social networking websites after a party that was promoted on MySpace resulted in a Cranbourne house being trashed and valuables stolen.
Last Friday night Cranbourne police were called to the Cochrane Street house with reports that 50 youths were smashing up the house.
When police arrived at about 9pm the youths had dispersed but the rented house was a mess.
The inside of the house had been trashed and electronic equipment including a Sony video console, DVD player and computer stolen.
Senior Constable Tracey Arnold from Cranbourne CIU said it turned out a friend of one of the owners’ sons had posted an open party invitation on Internet site MySpace under the name of the boy who lived there.
In fact, the family was away in Ballarat at the time and had no idea a party was taking place.
The family’s older son, who was still in Cranbourne at the time, was at another friend’s party when he received a phone call that a party was happening at his house.
He rushed to the scene to find the house being trashed and quickly notified police.
Sen Const Arnold said it appeared some friends of one of the boys had taken advantage of the family being away.
She was unsure how they gained access to the property.
Region Five Assistant Commissioner Paul Evans has warned against posting party invitations on Internet sites.
“They’re touting for disaster,” he said
“(If you post it) then every person who wants a free ride or a free drink turns up.
“It’s naïve behaviour, really.”
Mr Evans urged parents to supervise parties, and to register them through Victoria Police’s PartySafe initiative so that police could patrol the street and keep a watchful eye out for gatecrashers.
Anyone with information about the party or the stolen items is urged to contact Senior Constable Chris Nieuwesteeg at Cranbourne CIU on 5991 0661 or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.