Police arrest 65 people during targeted day of action

More than 60 people have been arrested during a day of targeted action against domestic abuse.

Devon and Cornwall Police said the operation on on 8 April saw 65 taken into custody as part of targeted arrests across the force area.

Cornwall saw 21 arrests, Devon 20, South Devon 16 and there were eight arrests in Plymouth, officers.

Acting Supt Tom Cunningham said the day was a success and the force was committed to taking action against all reports of domestic abuse and, where the evidence existed, would ensure offenders are charged to court.

He said: “Domestic abuse is often a hidden and under reported crime with those victims often suffering in silence.

“Every arrest carried out is a positive intervention which we hope will see a home made safer and those perpetrating domestic abuse bought to justice.”

“My hope is the large number of arrests will give confidence to victims to come forward and report matters to us or to a third party so action can be taken to safeguard a victim and their family.”

Domestic abuse is defined as an incident or pattern of incidents of controlling, coercive, threatening, degrading and violent behaviour, including sexual violence, in the majority of cases by a partner or ex-partner, but also by a family member or carer.

Devon and Cornwall Police and Crime Commissioner (PCC) Alison Hernandez said: “I applaud the efforts of police for cracking down on despicable perpetrators of domestic abuse during the day of action

“I also commend the bravery of the victims who found the courage to report their behaviour to the police.

“Any form of abuse is unacceptable, especially in peoples’ homes, where they have every right to feel safe.