Police crackdown on domestic abuse

Officers carried out warrants at numerous addresses in two days of action targeted at tackling offenders of such criminality.

While the majority of suspects were bailed pending further investigation, four people were charged with a total of eight offences including assault, theft and criminal damage. Another man was cautioned for harassment.

The warrants were led by the force’s Domestic Abuse Investigation and Safeguarding Unit supported by response officers and community policing teams and were carried out on Tuesday, June 30, and Tuesday, July 7.

Assistant Chief Constable Mark Collins said: “Domestic abuse is a priority for us at Bedfordshire Police and we are working with our partners and our communities to better identify vulnerable people, protect victims and bring offenders to justice.

“We work closely with partner agencies to safeguard those at risk and build evidence against people we suspect to be offenders. These arrests have given us the opportunity to put further measures in to help and support the victims.

“Domestic abuse comes in a range of crime types, from assaults and threatening or controlling behaviour to harassment, malicious communications, criminal damage, honour based violence, forced marriage and female genital mutilation.

“We should remember that not all victims of domestic abuse are young girls and women and we want to encourage male victims to also contact us for help.

“These days of action should send a clear message that we will not tolerate those who think it is acceptable to control or abuse their partner or family members. Those who do can expect a visit from my officers.”

If you or somebody you know is a victim of domestic abuse, contact police on 101, text information to 07786 200 011 or call Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111. Always call 999 in an emergency.