Gang Show

August 16, 2010 at 3:59 am | Posted in Security | 1 Comment
Tags: by-law, crash, crowd control, death, event, fine, gang, kid, knife, legislation, Naomi Oakley, party, Party Plan Checklist, police, safe parties, security, teen, teenage, teenager, trespass, U-NOME Security, venue, violence, youth

Like some new kids on YOUR block?

Last week I ran a security crew at a family home in a nice suburb.

It was a 14th birthday party with no alcohol.

At 10.30 pm, 20 gatecrashers (aged 15-18) turned up and tried scaling the fences to get in.

My staff chased, stopped and removed them – whereupon they fled down a side street.

Fifty minutes later, they returned: intoxicated, abusive, threatening (and another ten strong).

Hands in pockets, some intimated they were carrying weapons.

One said another carload of thugs was on its way.

They positioned themselves directly across the road from the party and started texting associates.

Once again, my staff did well to negotiate with and remove them.

They kept the party secure, but also called police to be on the safe side.

By the time they arrived, the group had dispersed to a railway station.

Some teenage guests at the party wanted to leave, as they feared the gang would injure or kill them.

My staff managed to assure them they were safe, but you can imagine the mood of what should’ve been a happy event.

It was extremely lucky we’d run a prior safety check on the home, as this had flagged its weak points.

This gang has a history of wrecking events.

Why they’d crash a kid’s party with no alcohol is beyond me.

Nor can I fathom where their parents think they are.

When I speak with teens who live in the area, they agree. It’s well known these fools target parties solely to cause problems.

I’ve no doubt this gang will strike again.

I believe councils must put these kids on notice and create a by-law and fine.

The current offence of Trespass is too weak, which is why it’s seldom used.

Creating the offence of Gatecrasher would provide a deterrent that we greatly need but sorely lack.

Having fines to penalise these troublemakers would help keep guests, my staff (and maybe you and your loved ones) safe.

See my proposal to learn more.

Naomi Oakley, Managing Director, U-NOME Security Communication Specialists.