The New South Wales police minister has rejected suggestions that gang violence is spiralling out of control, following two fatal shootings in as many days that police are treating as suspected mistaken identity killings.
Speaking at a press conference on Thursday, police minister Yasmin Catley said that while the recent deaths were unacceptable, the force had the resources needed to tackle organised crime gangs. Her comments come after as many as six suspected mistaken identity shootings have occurred in Sydney since the start of last year.
Minister's firm stance on organised crime
“Let me be very clear: we will not be surrendering our streets to organised criminals,” Catley said. “Not now. Not ever. I do not accept this is out of control.”
Catley was joined by acting NSW premier Prue Car, who addressed the media alongside her. The press conference followed two separate shooting incidents: one in Glen Alpine on Tuesday and another in Merrylands on Wednesday.
Police confirm mistaken identity investigations
NSW police commissioner Mal Lanyon confirmed that both shootings are being investigated as mistaken identity killings carried out by organised crime groups. The first victim was a 23-year-old university student shot in his bed, while the second victim was not known to police but was reportedly shot outside the home of a suspected underworld figure.
Lanyon indicated that many of these offences are being orchestrated from overseas, but acknowledged that people onshore are facilitating and assembling the groups responsible. “We believe the large majority of these organised crime offences are being orchestrated from overseas, but we know that there are people onshore who are facilitating and putting together the groups that are doing it,” he said.
Recruitment of young people a growing concern
The commissioner expressed “great concern” about the increasing recruitment of young people to carry out deadly offences domestically. He described a worrying trend of inexperienced individuals being paid small amounts to commit serious crimes.
“What we’ve seen over the last few days are people who have very little experience, people who have taken a job for very little money, and people who are going to face very lengthy consequences in jail when we arrest them,” Lanyon said. “We know that those organising it are recruiting young, inexperienced people and using encrypted communications. So, as an organisation, we are focusing on technology and making sure that we have every capability we need to target these people.”
Government response and future measures
Catley noted that the task force targeting gang violence had made 800 arrests in the past year, but acknowledged there was no shortage of young people willing to be recruited. Acting premier Prue Car said the government was considering whether enough was being done to divert young people away from organised crime groups.
“This is a complex set of circumstances, and it’s a terrible, tragic event when we have organised crime, use as a model, going to vulnerable young … kids, basically, for small amounts of money on the dark web to commit murderous crimes, and in some cases, hit the wrong person,” Car said. “At the end of the day, this government has acted very swiftly … when it comes to resourcing the police and passing the necessary legislation. And to be honest, nothing’s off the table in the future.”
