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Hundreds arrested in violent offender operation

26/11/2008

The Metropolitan police have announced that 240 people have been arrested as part of their clampdown on violent offenders in the capital.

Operation Athena targets the perpetrators of domestic, homophobic, race hate crime and other offences of violence.

The arrests have taken place since Tuesday and the Met claims that figures are still being collated so the figures are likely to rise still.

Athena is now in its ninth year, with the aim of transferring "fear on to violent offenders while encouraging more victims to come forward".

Yesterday's activities coincided with the introduction of the Forced Marriage (Civil Protection) Act 2007, which declares that those involved in forced marriages could be imprisoned.

Over the next two weeks the Met claims it will be working closely with specialist support services and community groups to reinforce ongoing work to protect and support the victims of violence.

A similar operation in May saw 336 people arrested for domestic violence, hate crime and the abuse of vulnerable adults.

Commander Mark Simmons, head of the Met's Violent Crime Directorate,
said: "We are sending out a clear message to the men and women of violence that their behaviour is unacceptable and will not be tolerated.

"We will arrest them and with the help of the crown prosecution service prosecute them. Just as importantly we want vulnerable victims to be reassured that they will be protected and we are working with our partners to ensure their safety.

"This activity is just one part of the Met's work to protect vulnerable victims and ensure perpetrators are brought to justice."