The New South Wales police minister denies that gang violence is out of control in the state, despite two people being shot dead in suspected cases of mistaken identity in as many days. The police minister, Yasmin Catley, told a media conference on Thursday that while the recent deaths were unacceptable, the force had the resources they needed to tackle organised crime gangs. There have been as many as six suspected mistaken-identity shootings in Sydney since the start of last year.
The first victim was a 23-year-old university student shot in his bed, while the second was also not known to police, but reportedly was shot outside the home of a suspected underworld figure. He said young people are increasingly being recruited to carry out deadly offences domestically, describing the trend as causing him “great concern”. So, as an organisation, we are focusing on technology and making sure that we have every capability we need to target these people.” There had been 800 arrests in the past year by the taskforce targeting gang violence, but there was no shortage of young people who were willing to be recruited, Catley said.
The acting premier, Prue Car, said that the government was considering whether enough was being done to divert young people away from organised crime groups.
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