Punchbowl home hit in latest shooting
Posted: Monday, 25 June 2012 | By: John Robertson
A Punchbowl home has been the target of a 66th shooting uneder this O'Farrell government. The home was hit with at least four bullets, and later police found a drug laboratory operating with inside the house.
A home in Punchbowl has been shot at overnight in the 66th shooting under the O'Farrell Government in this year alone, NSW Opposition Leader John Robertson said today.
The home in Catherine Street, Punchbowl was hit with at least four bullets.
Police later found a drug laboratory operating from inside the home.
"There have now been 66 shootings in this year alone under the O'Farrell Government," Mr Robertson said.
"Barry O'Farrell promised to end the shootings plaguing Sydney streets – but instead we have seen an extraordinary 66 shootings in this year alone on his watch.
"At the same time this shooting took place, the Bankstown Local Area Commend – which takes in the suburb of Punchbowl – was understaffed by a whopping 22 police officers.
"How can Mr O'Farrell crackdown on the 66 shootings this year when he won't even properly staff our police stations?
"Leaving police stations in Bankstown 22 officers short means they are unable to complete the most basic policing duties, let alone deal with these shootings.
"Our police are doing the best job they can, but the O'Farrell Government is selling them and the communities they protect, short.
"Innocent families living in Punchbowl should not have to be woken by the sound of gunshots."
Shadow Police Minister, Nathan Rees said the O'Farrell Government had to explain why no gang in NSW had been declared a criminal organisation.
"The O'Farrell Government has the power to outlaw gangs known to be involved in criminal activity – so why aren't they using these laws?" Mr Rees said.
"The Premier is sitting on his hands when it comes to dealing with the 66 shootings that have occurred on his watch in the six months to June.
"Why hasn’t the Premier outlawed gangs known to be involved in criminal activity? Why are Local Area Commands across Sydney still critically understaffed?
"Until the O'Farrell Government gets serious and outlaws these gangs and floods our streets with the extra police officers we need, I fear these shootings will continue to plague our city."
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