Pre-Valentine's crackdown on domestic abuse

Statistics show that one in four women and one in six men will be a victim of domestic abuse in their lifetime

Police have launched a 48 hour crackdown on offenders wanted for incidents of domestic abuse.

Hundreds of officers will take to the streets ahead of Valentine’s weekend to look for wanted offenders.

The operation – codenamed Olympus – will see local officers working alongside Force resources such as tactical aid unit and ANPR Intercept officers to locate culprits.

Superintendent Craig Thompson said: “Our priority is to protect victims and we will be out in force over the next two days to ensure offenders are brought in and locked up before they cause any further misery.

“We will leave no stone unturned and do all we can to locate those trying to evade capture. Anybody with information on somebody who may be wanted should do the right thing and contact police before they cause more harm.”

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Porter said: “Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love and romance but unfortunately for many it will serve as a reminder that their relationship is far from happy and is instead masked by fear, control and violence.

“Domestic abuse comes in many guises and can be emotional as well as physical. In December we welcomed a change in legislation which means for the first time perpetrators who control their partners through threats or by restricting their personal or financial freedom could face prison in the same way as those who are violent towards them.

“Taking these abusers off our streets is a huge part of what we do but we also want to stop this type of crime happening in the first place. I urge people to take a step back and consider the relationship they are in – if their partner is controlling, threatening or violent, it’s time to ask for help. Whether it be a relative, friend, charity or the police, we are here to support people to live safely and without fear.”

Victims of domestic abuse are urged not to suffer in silence - call the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or report incidents to Greater Manchester Police on 101 or 999 in an emergency. Visit gmp.police.uk or endthefear.co.uk for information on how to stop the abuse.

Anybody with information on somebody who is wanted by police should call 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.