ACT Policing is pressing for tougher firearms laws and powers to tackle violent crime in the capital after another drive-by shooting linked to an ongoing turf war among Canberra’s bikie gangs.
Police said a house in Isabella Plains, linked to an Outlaw Motorcycle Gang member was set on fire and shot at early Tuesday morning (Tuesday, 18 July 2017).
Detective Superintendent of Criminal Investigations Ben Cartwright said this was the third firearms incident this month.
“Events such as those seen over the last month highlight the need for new and different approaches,” he said.
“ACT Policing will continue discussions with the ACT Government regarding legislative reform, such as tougher firearms laws and powers that will overcome the need for cooperation from those who don’t wish to assist police.”
Detective Superintendent Cartwright said Taskforce Nemesis continued make inroads into serious and organised crime and had in the last month arrested, extradited and seized the assets of a senior OMCG member.
He said current OMCG members were in jail for similar drive-by shootings, with others in custody awaiting trial.
“Taskforce Nemesis, backed up by every ACT Policing officer will continue to focus on serious and organised crime and the activities of OMCG’s. However, clearly there is more to be done.”
Police were called to a house in Ellerston Avenue, Isabella Plains about 1 am after reports of gun shots in the area and that the house was on fire.
Police found a 9kg liquid petroleum gas cylinder that had allegedly been used to start a fire at the front of the house, which ACT Fire and Rescue extinguished.
Two men were seen driving a small silver hatchback car and both are believed to have fired shots into the house, using a shotgun and a handgun.
One man was described as Caucasian with a medium build, wearing a light coloured top and blue jeans.
Australian Federal Police forensic officers are examining the scene.
ACT Policing is urging anyone with information about the incident, or saw any suspicious activity in Ellerston Avenue around 1 am to contact ACT Policing Operations on 131 444. Information can also be provided anonymously via ACT Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Loading ...
