Operation Lioness was relaunched for 2023 on Friday 21 July, with a core aim of ensuring those enjoying the region’s bustling night-time economy could do so safely, without fear of harm. This predominantly is in response to the increased efforts placed on tackling Violence Against Women & Girls (VAWG).
The additional hotspot patrols descending on busy town centres each weekend have already started to have an impact, with several arrests made this weekend and positive interventions done to protect vulnerable people from potentially dangerous situations.
In the centre of Manchester, a 19-year-old man and 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in separate incidents at nightclubs on Withy Grove and Princess Street, both reported in the early hours of Sunday 30 July. The club bouncers immediately intervened to ensure no further harm could be caused, until officers arrived to make arrests.
In Oldham, a 40-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of assault and stalking, after a woman was reported to have been slapped in a bar on Fairbottom Street in the early hours of Sunday 30 July. Officers on Op Lioness patrols also intervened in a pub fight which broke out in Failsworth, successfully bringing the incident to a safe conclusion, with an affray investigation now being progressed by the Neighbourhood team.
In Bolton Town Centre, officers arrested a 46-year-old man on suspicion of outraging public decency after reports that a man had exposed himself inside a pub. There were also two positive stop and searches for drugs, further tackling issues linked with night-time economy.
In Wigan, one arrest in connection with a domestic related incident took place, safeguarding a vulnerable victim of domestic abuse from further harm. As domestic abuse is a crime type of particular concern in the area, Op Lioness officers will be regularly joined on patrol by IDVAs (Independent Domestic Violence Advisors), like this past weekend, to ensure victims have specialised support on hand to offer advice and help them through their difficult disclosures.
All suspects have been bailed or released under investigation whilst detectives progress the investigations.
The operation, however, is not just about arresting those thought to be committing offences. Officers are providing a highly visible presence to deter offenders, visiting licensed premises to provide reassurance to customers and guidance to hospitality staff, placing plain clothed officers into hotspot areas to react quickly to arising situations, stopping and searching those believed to be in possession of drugs or weapons, and intervening in situations where vulnerable people may be at risk.
This work is carried out alongside partner agencies for a complete approach.
