Riot police were called to a Melbourne Airbnb on Friday night to break up an out-of-control party attended by nearly 100 teenagers. Victoria Police officers responded to the property on Powerscourt Retreat in Cranbourne, east Melbourne, around 11 p.m. after receiving calls from distressed neighbors.
Witnesses reported seeing continuous waves of teenagers arriving at the home, with neighbors describing "whole carloads" swarming the property. The home, which had recently been renovated by its owners who were preparing to sell it, sustained significant damage. The attendees, believed to be teenagers who used a fake ID to rent the Airbnb, had the address leaked online, leading to the large gathering.
Damage to the property included broken windows, a fly screen thrown onto the roof, and overturned furniture. One teenager was observed on CCTV using a shopping trolley to steal the home's television. The owners, who had driven to the location but were unable to approach the house due to the chaotic scene and safety concerns, waited for police to clear the crowd before assessing the damage.
Multiple police units, including members from the Public Order Response Team, were deployed to the scene. The youths were dispersed, and officers remained in the area for some time. A Victoria Police statement confirmed that the house was "extensively damaged."
Despite the significant police presence and the extensive damage, no arrests were made. The investigation into the incident is ongoing, and authorities are urging anyone with information, CCTV, or dashcam footage to contact Crime Stoppers.