More than 70 arrests of outstanding domestic abuse suspects in first six weeks of Northamptonshire Police operation
Northamptonshire Police say they have had ‘strong’ early results with a new operation focused on tackling outstanding domestic abuse suspects.
The force says the initiative has already made a significant impact across the north of the county, with officers making more than 70 arrests in the first six weeks of Operation Red.
Operation Red deploys dedicated officers to track, locate and arrest individuals wanted for domestic abuse offences.
By concentrating resources on outstanding suspects, the force says it can take early safeguarding action, speed up investigations and deliver improved outcomes for victims.
The operation directly supports one of the force’s core priorities - violence against women and girls (VAWG).
The offences targeted by Operation Red are wide‑ranging and reflect the complex and serious nature of domestic abuse and related criminal behaviour.
Recent arrests include:
Stalking: Officers arrested a suspect who had been persistently stalking a female victim, including following her in her car, monitoring her movements, contacting her online and repeatedly turning up at locations she was attending. The arrest allowed officers to take immediate action to disrupt the behaviour and assess safeguarding needs.
Threats to share intimate images: A man was arrested after threatening to share intimate images of his former partner. Officers seized digital devices as part of the investigation and put safeguarding measures in place while enquiries continue.
Assault: In one incident, a suspect assaulted a victim in public, punching and kicking them. He was quickly arrested by Operation Red officers, charged and remanded to court.
Linked non‑domestic offences: While conducting enquiries to locate a domestic abuse suspect, Operation Red officers also arrested a man wanted for grievous bodily harm and robbery. He was charged and remanded to prison, demonstrating the wider impact of the operation on serious criminality.
Nathan Shepherd, chief inspector of response and local policing for Corby and Kettering, said: “The early success of Operation Red shows exactly what can be achieved when we focus our resources on the offenders who pose the greatest risk.
"By actively tracking down and arresting outstanding domestic abuse suspects, we are taking decisive action to protect victims, reduce harm and intervene earlier.
“Violence against women and girls remains a force priority and this operation is about sending a clear message that those who commit domestic abuse, stalking or harassment will be pursued and held to account.
"Behind every arrest is a victim who deserves to feel safe and supported and we will continue to use every tool available to secure faster safeguarding, stronger investigations and better outcomes for those affected by abuse.”
Due to the strong early results and positive outcomes for victim safety, the decision has been taken to extend Operation Red over the coming months.
The continued focus aims to improve investigative outcomes, reduce risk through faster suspect apprehension, increase early safeguarding interventions and provide the highest possible standard of support for victims of domestic abuse.