COVID crime wave: New South Wales is rocked by 28 shootings in just one month as cops probe new bikie war
- New South Wales has been rocked by 28 shootings in the space of one month
- Ten took place across regional NSW while the other 18 occurred in Sydney
- NSW Police will increase their resources used to crack down on gun violence
- It is believed at least x of the shootings relate to an escalating gang war
Police are cracking down on gun violence as gang wars escalate after 28 shootings in just one month.
There were shootings across regional New South Wales and metropolitan Sydney in August and another two in September.
Police believe at least two of the shootings relate to outlaw motorcycle gang conflicts and most are believed to be targeted.
One of the attacks left infamous former Comanchero bikie Fares Abounader dead outside his home in Panania on August 29.
Mark Shammo was shot in the legs and torso on Garrong Road in Lakemba on September 1
Shots were fired in a unit with three people inside on Columbine Avenue in Punchbowl on September 2
There have been six shootings in Western Sydney since August 26. Pictured: a police car at the scene of the shooting in St Johns Park on Tuesday night
Police believe Abounader, who was present during the Sydney Airport bikie brawl, was a victim of a targeted shooting amid tension between the Comancheros and Bandidos.
Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna said NSW Police were ramping up their resources after the mass amounts of shootings.
'It is not acceptable under any circumstances.
'It doesn't matter who is involved in these shootings - it's not acceptable and we will come down on them,' Mr McKenna told reporters on Wednesday.
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Ten of the August shootings took place across regional NSW while the 18 other attacks occurred in Sydney.
Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith said the shootings were a result of individual conflicts.
He explained they could relate to low-level drug dealing, which has been made more difficult because of border closures.
Police cordon off the area before forensic officers arrive at Knoll Avenue in Turella after a shooting last week
Mohamed Saab (pictured) was found with gunshot wounds to his shoulder, ribs and leg outside a home in Turrella
'We have seen COVID-19 putting some pressure in terms of the ability of organised crime to move illicit prohibited drugs into the state,' Mr Smith told reporters.
'There is some indication it's reflecting a higher than average price for drugs which is possible that some of this low-level stuff is a conflict occurring around the payment of drugs.'
Mr Smith said it was 'unacceptable' and 'dangerous' to other members of the public, warning the punishment could be life in prison.
'These people are taking a significant risk that they will spend a lifetime behind bars,' he said.
So far eight shootings have resulted in nine people being charged.
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