British Police arrest 147 in hate crime operation

The British Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) says that it has arrested 147 people in the capital earlier today, to tackle domestic violence and other hate crimes. Offences range from violence and common assault to breach of court orders.

The operation has been timed to link in with today’s International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, known as White Ribbon Day, which is accompanied by 16 days of international activity to combat all forms of violence against women.

This operation is as a part of Operation Athena, now in its tenth year. Whilst the main thrust of today’s action is to combat violence against women, it also encompasses all hate and faith crime. This includes racist, homophobic and disability motivated crime, as well as crimes against the vulnerable or elderly by members of their own family or carers.

The Met has been running Operation Athena days since the year 2000. Since 2006 they have taken place twice a year to coincide with the International Day against Homophobia in May and White Ribbon Day in November.

Last year’s operation in November saw more than 300 arrests and 170 of those individuals were subsequently charged or cautioned.

During Operation Athena Day on the May 18 this year more than two hundred people were arrested for a variety of offences including violence against the person, harassment and offences against property. Of these, more than 100 were either charged or cautioned.

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Over this period of 16 days of international activity to combat violence against women the Met works closely with partners, specialist support services and community groups to reinforce ongoing work to protect and support the victims of violence.