256 held in push to protect vulnerable

MORE than 250 people were arrested during a month of police activity to protect vulnerable children and adults.

Operation Patina, led by Greater Manchester Police Public Protection Division, focused on tackling issues that concern vulnerability such as domestic abuse, rape and child sexual exploitation.

Lat month’s operation resulted in 256 arrests — 64 relating to rape offences.

In the same month a new forcewide rape campaign was launched in conjunction with local universities.

The “no consent, no sex” campaign spread the message: “Drinking is not a crime. Rape is”, encouraging public debate.

Officers worked closely with local authorities and visited 26 schools to speak to young people and their teachers about child sexual exploitation (CSE).

Eighty-seven welfare checks were also conducted, where officers visited children considered at high risk of CSE, to ensure they were safe and address any concerns.

GMP also launched a new campaign to encourage victims of domestic abuse, their families and friends to find the courage to report it and help end the fear.

The campaign focused on the different strands of abuse that victims can face — including emotional, sexual, financial and physical. The artwork is displayed by officers and partner organisations in areas of high footfall such as supermarkets, salons and doctor’s surgeries.

Det-Chief Supt Vanessa Jardine, head of the Public Protection Division said: “This month of action was not just about identifying and arresting offenders and suspects, but looked at safeguarding and awareness-raising for young people and anyone perceived to be at risk from exploitation or abuse.

“The operation has been a great success but it doesn’t stop there — every month is a month of action for us. We will continue to protect the communities of Greater Manchester, and urge people who are suffering abuse to please come forward and tell us about it — we will take action.”