Canterbury Bankstown locals feeling fearful living in Sydney's 'killing capital'
Following Tuesday’s daytime execution-style shooting at a Canterbury Bankstown café, it has been revealed the south west Sydney suburb has become the state’s killing capital.
It’s a title no resident wants for their town, and now innocent locals are feeling nervous.
The suburb’s murder rate is about three times the state average, with 16 murders in just two years, according to the Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research.
Gangland killings and shootings are playing out almost every month, like that of underworld figure Walid Ahmad, who was gunned down at a bustling café last May.
Residents have told 7 News that killings have become commonplace and they don’t feel safe.
“Nobody's safe,” one person said.
Another added: “That's the way the world is today. It's not as good as it used to be.”
“People are just used to it,” a third person said.
In recent years, all other categories of crime in the area have fallen in line with the state average, but homicide is the suburb’s one exception.
Policing expert and former detective Don Weatherburn said the brazen killings were alarming.
“Canterbury Bankstown used to have a big crime problem - but it doesn't now. Its one big problem is this murder problem,” he added.
Member for Bankstown Tania Mihailuk told 7 News the community “deserved better”.
“We've had shootings in a soccer field where we had hundreds of children playing," she said.
"We've had shootings straight out in a shopping centre. Now right in the café."
She said the NSW police command is currently under strength by 12 police officers.
“How can you continue to have a situation where we are under strength with our police command, knowing that we've had brazen attack, after brazen attack?", she said.
"It's just absolutely unacceptable that our safety here is not a priority for this government.
“People enjoy living here. What we need to be confident of is that this government ensures their safety is a priority.”
Homicide Squad Commander Detective Superintendent Scott Cook described the killing culture as “evil”.
“We don't accept murders in this state, in this country,” he added.
Former detective Dr Michael Kennedy said the working-class suburb was a breeding ground for conflict, where issues associated with drugs and alcohol were prominent.
“It's got everything going that makes it interesting, but unfortunately the things that make it interesting can also mean that there's a lot of conflict and there's a lot of argumentss," Dr Kennedy said.
Police Minister Troy Grant has told Commissioner Mick Fuller he is working to put more officers on the beat.
