Proactive week of action tackling domestic abuse and violence against women and girls results in 18 arrests

Eighteen people have been arrested as part of a dedicated week of action in west Suffolk, aimed at addressing domestic abuse and violence against women and girls.

The series of proactive activity, framed under the Operation Drawbridge banner, took place from Monday 17 – Friday 21 November and targeted individuals officers wanted to speak with in connection with ongoing police investigations. Officers prioritised cases based on threat, harm, and risk, ensuring swift action against those suspected of serious offences.

Throughout the week, officers conducted targeted patrols and visited addresses linked to suspects. As a result, 18 arrests were made for various offences including stalking, harassment, coercive control, indecent exposure and assault, alongside other unrelated offences including driving and drug-related crimes.

There were also a further six interviews conducted, where individuals attended police stations voluntarily.

Chief Inspector Pete Partridge said: “The aim for the operation was to take decisive action to protect victims and prevent further harm, whilst holding offenders to account for their crimes and gathering valuable information for ongoing investigations.

“Victims were referred to safeguarding support to ensure their safety and wellbeing and, where relevant, we were able to consider the range of legal tools available. These include Domestic Violence Protection Notices (DVPNs) and Domestic Violence Protection Orders (DVPOs), which can place immediate restrictions on individuals following arrest and before any court proceedings.

“Similarly, Stalking Protection Orders (SPOs) can be applied for by police to the court to safeguard victims where stalking behaviour has been identified.

“The arrests and safeguarding measures demonstrate our unwavering commitment to protecting vulnerable people and tackling violence in all its forms. We will continue to work with partners and the public to prevent harm and keep Suffolk safe.”

The week of action involved multiple teams, including Sentinel, Kestrel, Scorpion and local officers with co-ordinated activity taking place across the west Suffolk area, including Haverhill, Newmarket, Bury St Edmunds, Stowmarket and Sudbury.

Behind the scenes, The Custody Investigation Unit and The Investigation Support and Development Unit, played a vital role in interviewing suspects and progressing investigations.

The week of action has coincided with the start of White Ribbon campaign, reinforcing Suffolk Constabulary’s commitment to challenge violence against women and girls and promote safe communities across the county.