News Articles
17th May 2007
City-wide crackdown on hate crime
(Source: BBC)
At least 52 people have been arrested in dawn raids in a crackdown on domestic violence and hate crime.
The operation, coinciding with International Day Against Homophobia, involved police units across London.
Most suspects were held for assault, criminal damage and witness intimidation, Scotland Yard said.
"We can take action against those who commit this crime without having a statement from the victim,"
said Commander Shaun Sawyer.
"Your partner's silence no longer protects you," he said.
The raids were aimed at "putting the fear back on to the offender", and encouraging victims to report crimes,
said a police statement.
There were 101,000 reported domestic violence incidents in 2006/07, the Metropolitan Police said.
This figure accounted for 20% of all reported violence and 20% of all murders in London.
Those arrested have been taken to police stations across London for questioning.
