Northern Leader Editorial Comment
December 14, 2006
Section: News
OVER the past few months anti-social behaviour associated with alcohol fuelled parties on northern suburbs beaches and parks have raised concerns.
Residents have complained that letter-boxes, fences and gardens have been vandalised, while fights and noise associated with these gatherings go un-checked.
To the authorities credit, they have attempted to nip the problem in the bud, but with limited resources and the help of mobile phones, the parties are difficult to control.
As Council's Safe Community Action Team officer Radda Jordan explained, with the aid of a text message, party "crashes" can have another 40 or 50 people at the gathering in a flash.
Ms Jordan warns residents not to hesitate when a few people gather with grog under arm at their local beach-side reserve and to phone police.
A meeting organised by Wollongong City Council and Wollongong Police last week is a step in the right direction to help solve the problem.
Although numbers were disappointing. parents of six high-school students met at the Bulli Uniting Church hall with police officers, Council workers, teachers and community representatives.
For further information contact the Wollongong Crime Prevention Officer Snr Constable Mary Patterson on 4226 7837.