By XAVIER SMERDON
POLICE are hunting a brazen gunman that has been firing a rifle at houses and businesses in the Wyndham area.
Detective Senior Sergeant John Johnston from the Wyndham Crime Investigation Unit told Star that there had been eight different reports of what seemed to be random shootings.
“This is out of the ordinary and that’s why it’s causing quite a bit of concern for us,” Det Sen Sgt Johnston said.
“We are now at the point where we are calling on anyone in the community who may have seen anything to come forward.
“It’s important for us to get on top of this firstly before someone is seriously injured and secondly before this person or persons gets themselves into serious trouble.”
The first reported shooting occurred on 14 April when a bullet hole was located in a property in Doynton Parade in Hoppers Crossing.
A second incident, estimated to have occurred in the early hours of 16 April was reported from a home in Westmeadows Lane, Truganina.
Holes located in a vehicle and a garage door in Hogans Rd, Tarneit on 24 May, as well as a single shot discovered in Hogans Rd, Hoppers Crossing on 7 June are also being investigated.
The most recent damage is believed to have occurred on 29 June when a window and a wall of a property on Sayers Rd in Truganina were damaged by bullets.
Det Sen Sgt Johnston said police believed a rifle had been the weapon of choice and that several of the victims may have been at home when the dangerous crimes were committed.
“At this stage it looks like reckless damage and whilst the person or persons may not intentionally hurt anyone, the consequences of what they are doing are very serious,” he said.
“At this stage they would be facing charges of criminal damage.”
Det Sen Sgt Johnston said there had been a total of eight reported incidents of shootings so far.
It is believed that the shootings are related.
Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
