A man was arrested after allegedly “exposing himself” in a pub in Bolton town centre as a major policing operation relaunched.
The 46-year-old was arrested on suspicion of outraging public decency, following the relaunch of Operation Lioness.
The operation was launched by Greater Manchester Police and aims to tackle violence against women and girls on nights out.
A GMP spokesperson said: “The additional hotspot patrols descending on busy town centres each weekend have already started to have an impact, with several arrests made this weekend and positive interventions done to protect vulnerable people from potentially dangerous situations.”
As well as the man who allegedly exposed himself, police also carried out two successful stop and searches for drugs in the Bolton area as part of the same operation.
Further afield a 19-year-old and 25-year-old man were arrested on suspicion of sexual assault in separate incidents at nightclubs on Withy Grove and Princess Street reportedly in the early hours of Sunday July 30.
In Wigan, again as part of Operation Lioness, another arrest was made in connection with what police believe was a domestic related incident.
The relaunch comes after last year’s roll out of Operation Lioness saw more than 60 arrests made for alleged offences against women and girls committed across the city region.
This was launched partly in response to findings showing that women and girls are disproportionately targeted with violence and predatory behaviour on nights out.
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But as well as making arrests, police have stressed that they hope the operation can help provide a more reassuring presence to people trying to enjoy the nighttime economy in peace.
A GMP spokesperson said: “The operation, however, is not just about arresting those thought to be committing offences.
“Officers are providing a highly visible presence to deter offenders, visiting licensed premises to provide reassurance to customers and guidance to hospitality staff, placing plain clothed officers into hotspot areas to react quickly to arising situations, stopping and searching those believed to be in possession of drugs or weapons, and intervening in situations where vulnerable people may be at risk.
“This work is carried out alongside partner agencies for a complete approach.”
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