Ten arrested in domestic violence crack-down

Police made 10 pre-planned arrests relating to domestic violence offences alleged to have taken place in Tower Hamlets.

Yesterday’s operation was the first phase of a crack down on domestic violence by Tower Hamlets officers designed to reduce the recent 25 per cent rise in domestic violence.

Enquiries were made at 35 addresses across Surrey, Essex and Kent trying to locate 21 outstanding suspects relating to offences that took place in Tower Hamlets�. Those arrested were all taken to Limehouse Police Station. Two were charged and eight were released without further action.

DS Vicky Tunstall, in charge of the operation, said: “In one sense this is a success. It shows people have more confidence in police being able to take action to stop abusive partners”.

The Metropolitan Police has a policy to make an on-the-spot arrest when called to an incident of Domestic Violence, but in some cases the alleged offender has left before police have arrived.

Currently negotiations are ongoing between police, the council and local law firms to set up a “One Stop Shop” at premises away from a police station where people can drop-in discreetly to discuss domestic violence issues.

If you are a victim you can call the Domestic Violent Unit, part of the Community Safety Unit, at Limehouse Police Station on 0207 275 4757.

In an emergency dial 999.