Melton’s top cop has moved to reassure the community after a recent spate of shootings that rocked the state.
Inspector Kathy Rudkins said the people shot at had been known to the alleged offenders.
“They’re not random shootings,” Inspector Rudkins said.
“There is a risk to the people involved; there’s a risk to our members and there is the slight possibility innocent bystanders can get involved. All of those things are worrying to us, but I wouldn’t say people should be worried – just be aware.”
Over the Melbourne Cup weekend, four separate shootings rocked the seemingly quiet streets of Melbourne’s north-west.
On Friday, October 30, a man in his 20s was shot in the abdomen when a fight erupted between four men at Dalray Crescent, Kurunjang.
The man was taken to the Royal Melbourne with non-life threatening injuries.
With the launch of a new firearms investigation team, Inspector Rudkins said she didn’t believe strengthening gun laws would prevent targeted shootings.
“Most of the people who are using guns are using them illegally,” she said.
“They’re people who don’t care about the law. You can have the strongest gun laws, but it’s not going to change anything.”
Last week, Victoria Police announced the formation of a new investigations team with a primary focus on preventing shootings and disrupting the supply of firearms.
The team, to be based within the Purana Taskforce, will investigate firearms trafficking and seek to identify links between firearm-related burglaries and organised crime groups.
