Ambarvale Shooting Raises Security Concerns for South-West Property Investors

A recent drive-by shooting in Ambarvale, a suburb in Sydney’s south-west, which resulted in the death of a 65-year-old woman, has raised concerns amongst property investors and residents alike. The incident is prompting a reassessment of security measures in the area and its potential impact on property values.

Incident Overview

On Monday, April 14th, 2025, at approximately 11:00 PM, emergency services responded to reports of a shooting at a residence on Dickens Road in Ambarvale. Police reports indicate that up to three individuals exited a dark-coloured sedan and fired upon the house before fleeing the scene. The 65-year-old woman, who was inside the property at the time, sustained a gunshot wound to her leg and, despite the efforts of paramedics and police, died at the scene.

Two other occupants of the house, a 34-year-old man and a 21-year-old woman, were present during the attack but were uninjured. Detective Superintendent Grant Healey confirmed at a press conference that police believe the attack was targeted and that the family residing at the address was known to police.

Police Investigation

NSW Police have established Strike Force Apslawn, with assistance from the State Crime Command’s Homicide Squad, to investigate the shooting. Forensic teams are working to determine the number of weapons used in the attack. While the exact motive remains unclear, Superintendent Healey has stated that the police do not believe the incident to be related to domestic violence.

“It’s abhorrent, somebody coming up to a house and putting shots off is totally reckless and the consequences are catastrophic,” Superintendent Healey stated, appealing for anyone with CCTV or dashcam footage from the area to come forward. Police have acknowledged having “limited CCTV” footage of the incident. Authorities are currently working with the family to gather further information, though initial cooperation has reportedly waned.

Potential Impact on the Property Market

Security Concerns

The violent nature of this incident is likely to heighten security concerns amongst current and prospective property owners in Ambarvale and the wider Campbelltown region. Increased demand for security measures such as alarm systems, CCTV cameras, and security patrols could potentially follow. Property professionals note that perceptions of safety are a significant driver of property values, and events like this can negatively impact buyer confidence.

Property Values

While it’s too early to definitively assess the long-term impact on property values, similar incidents in other areas have shown that increased crime can lead to a temporary decline in prices. However, real estate agents in the Campbelltown area note that property values are also influenced by a variety of factors, including interest rates, economic activity, and infrastructure development. A swift and effective police response, coupled with community-led initiatives to enhance safety, could mitigate any potential negative impact.

Community Response and Mitigation Strategies

Local community groups and residents are discussing ways to enhance neighbourhood safety and security. Community forums, increased neighbourhood watch programs, and advocacy for improved street lighting are among the potential strategies being explored. Local councils are also expected to review existing crime prevention strategies and potentially allocate resources to address community safety concerns. It’s crucial to engage with the community affected, and work towards solutions that support them feeling safe and secure in their own residence. The incident in Ambarvale serves as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with organised crime and its impact on residential communities.

Alternative Perspectives

Some analysts argue that the impact on property values will be minimal. They contend that the incident, while tragic, is an isolated event and does not reflect the overall safety of the Campbelltown region, which has seen significant investment in infrastructure and community services in recent years. Furthermore, they suggest that the demand for affordable housing in the area will continue to support property values, even in the face of localised crime concerns. Other sources believe this could contribute to further urban sprawl.

Source: Industry research and analysis.

This article is based on a report from www.abc.net.au titled “Targeted drive-by shooting at Ambarvale home leaves 65-year-old woman dead in Sydney’s south-west”. You can find the original article here: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-04-15/nsw-woman-shot-dead-ambarvale-investigation/105176798