An increase in gatecrashers, as well as the introduction of modern social networking sites such as Facebook and Twitter, have made some parties a dangerous place to be.

The website, www.mynite.com.au, has been operating for nearly two years to a lukewarm response.

But Constable Philip Tucker from Dubbo police believes it is an under-utilised resource that could help lower the rate of antisocial behaviour.

“The website links directly to the NSW police service and they then inform us of the location of a party,” Con Tucker said.

“We then know to do regular checks on the party, not to try and curb the fun, but to avoid the possibility of any trouble.

“The recent phenomenon that is IT means it can only take 15 minutes for a party to get out of hand if gatecrashers turn up and then get their friends to turn up as well.”

As well as informing police of the party, the website also contains an array of information for hosts, including crowd management and legal responsibilities.

“At this time of year we see an increase in parties because it is getting warmer, Christmas is around the corner and the kids are finishing their school exams,” Con Tucker said.

“We like to see people have a good time and celebrate but we want them to do it responsibly and not attract trouble.

“Sometimes it can be an ongoing problem that continues for several hours.

“And on plenty of occasions I have seen people go out for a happy-go-lucky night, things get out of hand, and they end up in hospital.

“We are sick of seeing it happen and through the website hope to give people the chance to help themselves and allow us to help them at the same time.”

ben.walker@ruralpress.co m