Acting Assistant Commissioner Peter McKenna says police are ramping up their resources after there were 26 shootings in August, including 10 in regional NSW and 16 in the central metro region which covers Sydney's CBD, the eastern suburbs, the innerwest and Sutherland shire.

Just two days into the new month and there have already been two shootings - both in the central metro region.

Police believe two of the shootings relate to outlaw motorcycle gang conflicts and most are believed to be targeted.

"It is not acceptable under any circumstances," Mr McKenna told reporters on Wednesday.

"It doesn't matter who is involved in these shootings - it's not acceptable and we will come down on them."

Assistant Commissioner Stuart Smith says the shootings are a result of individual conflicts, and could relate to low-level drug dealing which has been made harder given the border closures.

"We have seen COVID-19 putting some pressure in terms of the ability of organised crime to move illicit prohibited drugs into the state," Mr Smith told reporters.

"There is some indication it's reflecting a higher than average price for drugs which is possible that some of this low-level stuff is a conflict occurring around the payment of drugs."

Mr Smith said it was "unacceptable" and "dangerous" to other members of the public, warning the punishment could be life in prison.

"These people are taking a significant risk that they will spend a lifetime behind bars," he said.

So far eight shootings have resulted in nine people being charged.

Australian Associated Press