POLICE in the borough have launched a 48-hour crackdown on offenders wanted for incidents of domestic abuse.

Hundreds of officers have taken to the streets ahead of Valentine’s weekend to look for wanted offenders.

The operation – codenamed Olympus – started yesterday, Thursday, and has seen officers working alongside force resources like the tactical aid unit and ANPR Intercept officers to locate culprits.

Detective Chief Inspector Nicky Porter said: “Valentine’s Day should be a celebration of love and romance, but unfortunately for many it will serve as a reminder that their relationship is far from happy and is instead masked by fear, control and violence.

“Domestic abuse comes in many guises and can be emotional as well as physical.”

In December police welcomed a change in legislation which means for the first time perpetrators who control their partners through threats or by restricting their personal or financial freedom could face prison in the same way as those who are violent towards them.

Superintendent Craig Thompson said: “Our priority is to protect victims and we will be out in force to ensure offenders are brought in and locked up before they cause any further misery.

“We will leave no stone unturned and do all we can to locate those trying to evade capture.

“Anybody with information on somebody who may be wanted should do the right thing and contact police before they can cause more harm.”

Victims of domestic abuse are urged not to suffer in silence - call the Women’s Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0161 636 7525 or report incidents to Greater Manchester Police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.

Visit gmp.police.uk or endthefear.co.uk for information on how to stop the abuse.

Anybody with information on somebody who is wanted by police should call 101 or Crimestoppers independently on 0800 555111.

Follow #OpOlympus on Twitter for live updates of the operation.