Airbnb party terrifies neighbours in Circa 1886 Estate in Clyde North
A huge group of screaming youths tore through streets and stormed properties as an Airbnb party spiralled out of control, leaving terrified neighbours arming themselves — some with guns — as their estate went into lockdown.
South East
Don't miss out on the headlines from South East . Followed categories will be added to My News.
Terrified neighbours locked themselves in their homes, some arming themselves with hunting rifles when more than 60 screaming youths terrorised a Clyde North estate.
The frightening incident in the Circa 1886 estate unfolded last Saturday after young people attended an out-of-control Airbnb party in the estate and ran riot.
Neighbours say they saw rival gangs fighting each other on the street, storming neighbouring properties and playing chicken with cars.
Neighbours say they were so terrified they armed themselves – a few with licenced guns.
Darren Hutchins, who witnessed the dramatic violence, said residents were terrified as the youths outnumbered police.
“I saw a group of them outside near the park and there was little splinter groups coming from everywhere – it was really confronting,” Mr Hutchins said.
“I was texting back and forth with neighbours who were also fearful of their families.
“The scary thing was when the police were there – who did a great job under duress – they were taunting them, they had no fear.”
He said the drama lasted until the early hours of the morning.
“We never want to experience something like this again. We moved here because it was meant to be a safe area for our family,” Mr Hutchins said.
“Daniel Andrews has buried his head in the sand for far too long – we have a significant gang problem in Victoria.
The Leader attended a community meeting on Wednesday night where residents spoke of their shock at the February 22 trouble.
Several told of recent break-ins and car thefts on the estate, saying they were “fearful” of escalating crime.
A woman, who asked not to be named, said her family had armed themselves.
“We were so scared. We could hear them running across our front yard. They were yelling and screaming like loud hyenas,” she said.
“We thought they would kick our door down and bust in.”
James Montgomery, who has lived in the estate with his family for two years, said he confronted youths who were standing at his car.
“I have created a WhatsApp group, which includes 100 residents so we can all look out for each other now,” he said.
Opposition emergency services spokesman Brad Battin said he’d raise the issue in parliament.
“We’ve seen young offenders go in out of the justice system. They continuously get bailed and there’s no programs to assist any of these kids when they get out,” Mr Battin said.
A police station for Clyde North is planned for 2022 but residents say it’s a matter of urgency now.
Casey Local Area Commander Acting Inspector Ivan Petrunic said police attended Fawkner Walk in Clyde North about 1am on February 23.
“When police attended there were approximately 50 teenagers present. The investigation into a burglary and trespass on the property remains ongoing and no arrests have been made at this stage,” Acting Insp Petrunic said.
He said police were also investigating the stabbing of a 17-year-old boy which occurred between Belcam Circuit and Soldiers Rd, Clyde North about 4.40am the same day.
There is no information to suggest these two incidents are linked, police say.
MORE NEWS
BEST OF MELBOURNE 2020: CITY’S TOP 10 FLORISTS REVEALED
COMANCHERO-LINKED STRIP CLUB ANNOUNCES GRAND REOPENING
POLICE CHARGE THREE MEN OVER RESTAURANT ATTACK
Earlier this month a quiet Ringwood street turned to chaos after scores of people had to be capsicum sprayed by police during an out-of-control party at an Airbnb rental and in December last year youths again trashed a Box Hill North Airbnb property.
An event security firm warned out-of-control Airbnb parties were skyrocketing, after more than 300 drunken youths trashed a Pakenham house in September 2019.
An Airbnb spokesperson said it banned “unauthorised and open invite” parties from its platform and could remove hosts “where violations occur.”
A State Government spokeswoman said police were being given the powers and resources they needed to tackle youth offending – including 3135 extra frontline police and specialist officers.
She said more than 1950 police were already deployed, including 149 to Clyde North, in the past two years.
“There’s no place for anti-social behaviour in our community and we will do what is necessary to disrupt it and hold offenders to account.”