Tweed-Byron police have the mostly underage fans of illegal dance parties in their sights after two events ended in violence in recent weeks.
As Echonetdaily reported on Monday, the window of a police vehicle was shattered after being struck by a rock when police responded to reports of a large dance party during the early hours of Sunday morning (15 December).
Police say they responded to ‘numerous calls… from concerned residents about the party held on Cabarita Beach near the local skate park’.
On arrival, police found some 200 partygoers, many of them drunk, some as young as 14 years.
This incident follows a similar one held on Crown land in the Round Mountain area two weeks ago.
Again, police found some 200 youths, most of whom they say were drunk and under 18, and again a police car was damaged by rocks.
No police were injured in either incident.
Tweed/Byron Local Area Command crime manager, Detective Inspector Brendon Cullen, said organisers of illegal doofs face serious fines.
‘There are significant penalties of up to $3,300 that can be imposed on people who conduct illegal dance parties, including offences under the Local Government Act, the Forestry Act or the National Parks and Wildlife Act for parties being held on public or council lands, in state forests or on Crown lands without the correct approvals being obtained,’ he said.
‘There are also offences under these acts for people who erect structures such as marquees and tents, litter an area or cause damage. Again, there are significant penalties that can be imposed.
‘Many of these parties can be highly mobile and literally spring up in a number of hours after being advertised on social media websites.
He asked people who receive invitations via Facebook or text messages to forward them to police and said they will proactively target these events.
‘We are keen to hear from anyone who becomes aware of a party being planned or advertised. The information can be provided anonymously through Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
‘The behaviour at these dance parties has been unacceptable and illegal. It endangers life and property and will not be tolerated. We will be taking action against anybody that we can identify who is committing offences in conjunction with dance parties.’
‘Parents need to be aware of where their children are going and what they are doing when they leave home. These dance parties can be a dangerous environment for young people, particularly when alcohol and illegal drugs are involved,’ he said.
For four decades The Echo has printed the stories some people loved, some people hated, and some pretended not to read. If you want us to keep telling the truth, the real truth, not the sugar-coated version. We’ll need your support to keep the presses rolling. 
