PSNI arrests 36 in major one-day crackdown across Northern Ireland

Police have arrested 36 people during a coordinated 12-hour operation targeting suspects linked to domestic abuse, serious assault and a range of other offences across several districts in Northern Ireland.

The large-scale operation, carried out by the Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) on Thursday, 12 March, focused on the areas of Lisburn and Castlereagh, Ards and North Down, Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey.

Officers targeted individuals wanted on outstanding warrants, suspects linked to ongoing investigations and offenders believed to have breached court-imposed conditions.

Targeting offenders and protecting victims

Police said the operation formed part of ongoing efforts to tackle violence against women and girls, protect vulnerable people and ensure offenders cannot evade justice.

Superintendent Johnston McDowell said the arrests highlight the force’s determination to safeguard communities and support victims.

“This latest operation once again delivered strong results and demonstrates our determination to protect the public, support victims and bring offenders before the courts,” he said.

“Those who believe they can avoid arrest, ignore court orders or continue to pose a risk to others should be in no doubt that we will continue to actively pursue them.

“A key priority for us remains tackling violence against women and girls. Operations of this kind are about more than arrest figures alone, they are about safeguarding victims, preventing further harm and sending a clear message that domestic abuse and violence will not be tolerated.”

Intelligence-led policing

During the operation, officers carried out targeted activity at a number of locations based on intelligence and existing lines of enquiry.

Alongside the arrests, police also dealt with a range of enforcement matters including the service of summonses, as well as resolving outstanding fines and other court-related issues.

The outcomes mirror those from a previous coordinated enforcement operation carried out in October 2025, when officers made 32 arrests across six policing districts in a single day.

Superintendent McDowell added that police will continue working with partner agencies to identify suspects, execute warrants and take action against those involved in criminal activity.

“I want to thank all officers and staff involved for their professionalism and commitment throughout this operation,” he said.

Further operations planned

The PSNI said similar proactive operations will continue as part of ongoing efforts to locate wanted persons, prevent further offending and keep communities safe.

Police can be contacted on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Information can also be provided anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

At a glance

• Police arrested 36 people during a coordinated enforcement operation on Thursday, 12 March.

• The 12-hour PSNI operation targeted suspects wanted on warrants or linked to ongoing investigations.

• Areas involved included Lisburn and Castlereagh, Ards and North Down, Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey.

• Offences linked to arrests included domestic abuse, serious assault, road traffic offences and breaches of court conditions.

• The operation forms part of the PSNI’s commitment to tackling violence against women and girls and protecting vulnerable people.

• Officers also dealt with summonses, outstanding fines and other court-related enforcement matters.

• A similar operation in October 2025 resulted in 32 arrests in one day across six districts.

• Police say similar proactive operations will continue to track down wanted offenders and protect communities.