diff --git a/init.lua b/init.lua
index 8175b3b..e8676af 100644
--- a/init.lua
+++ b/init.lua
@@ -74,11 +74,15 @@ minetest.register_chatcommand("creative_area_privs", {
 		if not found then
 			return false, "Syntax error"
 		end
-		area_id = tonumber(area_id)
-		switch_creative:set_area_privs(area_id, privstring)
-		minetest.chat_send_player(name, "[creative_area] Privstring set for area " .. area_id .. ": " .. privstring)
-		switch_creative:save_areas()
-		return true, "Done."
+		area_id = tostring(area_id)
+		if privstring and area_id then
+			switch_creative:set_area_privs(area_id, privstring)
+			minetest.chat_send_player(name, "[creative_area] Privstring set for area " .. area_id .. ": " .. privstring)
+			switch_creative:save_areas()
+			return true, "Done."
+		else
+			return false, "Failed."
+		end
 	end,
 })