Three deadly shootings in 10 days have stoked fears Sydney’s gang war is out of control, prompting the state’s top cop to warn organised crime is becoming more sophisticated.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon says offshore kingpins are outsourcing violence to local offenders, while social media is helping normalise serious crime.

WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Tackling Sydney’s deadly gang war: NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon speaks

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“We’re seeing what we call crime as a service now,” Lanyon told 7NEWS.

Dismantling organised crime has been a key priority of the commissioner’s first year, but it’s increasingly a fight without borders.

“A lot of the people orchestrating these offences are based offshore,” he said.

NSW Police Commissioner Mal Lanyon speaking with 7NEWS. Credit: 7NEWS

The recent Merrylands West shooting. Credit: 7NEWS

The orders can come from anywhere, with those pulling the strings often not even in the country. But the dirty work is done here, and more and more by young people.

“What we are seeing, particularly on social media, is leading to a desensitisation of people,” Lanyon said.

A generation is growing up with violence at their fingertips, from watching it to becoming involved.

“We’re seeing more and more young people being engaged in really serious criminal activity,” he said.

And sometimes for very little reward.

“To make a very small amount of money for what he is committing a serious and heinous crime is unacceptable and there will be consequences,” the commissioner warned.

Lanyon and Clementine Cuneo. Credit: 7NEWS

Police believe they are making progress. Credit: 7NEWS

Catching the gunman is only part of the battle for police. They also have to work out who recruited them, who paid them and who gave the order - a digital trail that can stretch to the other side of the world.

But police insist they’re making progress.

“Task Force Falcon has made over 700 arrests for things like public place shootings, stolen motor vehicles, attempts to commit murder,” Lanyon said.