Police promise “firm response” to out-of-control house parties in Melbourne

Wild parties at short-term rental accommodation are causing havoc for neighbours and landlords.

Wild parties at short-term rental accommodation are causing havoc for neighbours and landlords.

Stonnington Local Area Commander Inspector Jo Stafford said the parties were generally thrown by young people and warned there would be a firm response to out-of-control events.

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“Anyone who has booked a short-term rental and plans on causing trouble or breaking the law (should) expect a swift and firm response from police,” she said.

“If you have any suspicions about a booking, contact local police immediately so we can start to gather intelligence.”

A large 21st birthday party in a rented apartment in Lascelles
Ave, Toorak, earlier this month ended with bottles strewn across the front yard and glass smashed.

Resident Myra Mortensen-Williams said she repeatedly asked the partygoers to keep the noise down, but there were up to 75 there.

“I called the police three times starting just after midnight — there was no hope of sleeping,” she said.

Another wild teenage gathering at a disused warehouse in South Melbourne last year attracted more than 100 youths, who partied until police broke it up in the early hours.

Boroondara Police Leading Senior Constable Margaret Bonnett said noise was the most common complaint logged with parties, and hosts could be fined.

Landlords needed to take note of who was leasing their property, she said, and websites like Airbnb provided safety tips for landlords.

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