Police harvest domestic abuse perpetrators and violent crime in weekend action

Police officers across Greater Manchester have been targeting domestic abuse and violent crime this weekend as part of Operation Harvest, a Forcewide crackdown on thieves, thugs and fugitives across the county.

The operation ran in city and town centres targeting alcohol-related violence. Two-hundred and ninety one visits to licensed premises were conducted and the numbers of officers on patrol were increased in violent crime hotspots.

170 people were arrested for violence over the weekend, 16 of them were wanted violent offenders.

Specialist domestic abuse officers were out and about to attend domestic incidents and conduct checks on those who have been given Domestic Violence Protection Orders. Eighty four repeat victims of domestic abuse were also contacted.

In Wigan, officers have been holding drop-in sessions for victims of domestic abuse to attend for advice and support.

The public are being urged to support police in the crackdown by visiting their website (gmp.police.uk) to see photos and information on wanted offenders and provide information that could help bring them to justice. Twitter users can follow #harvest @gmpolice for the latest information.

Detective Superintendent Phil Owen from the Public Protection Division said: “Domestic abuse is not acceptable, it is not only the victim that suffers but their children, who witness or hear the abuse happening. Working with our partners, we want to urge victims to come forward now and report it, if not for themselves then for the sake of their children.

“The victims and their children who witness domestic abuse have the right to be respected, the right to be safe, secure and not to be afraid in their own homes. Specially trained domestic abuse officers are in place to support them throughout the process and there is also a wide variety of other organisations out there that can offer support and advice.

“Furthermore, I would ask friends, family and neighbours to phone the police if they hear or witness and incident or believe someone they know is suffering. Help a family and break the chain of abuse. Put a stop to domestic abuse before it goes too far.”