Hundreds of DV offenders charged in hardline cop raids in NSW

More than 100 of NSW’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders have been arrested in a four-day, statewide operation by specialist police teams.

More than 100 of NSW’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders have been arrested in a four-day, statewide police operation.

Operation Amarok IV, an intelligence-based policing strategy led by each region’s Domestic Violence High-Risk Offender Teams ran last week and involved officers from all police area commands and police districts in NSW, as well as various proactive and specialist units.

Officers arrested 421 people in the statewide operation with more than 768 charges laid against the perpetrators.

Of those arrested, 109 were identified amongst NSW’s most dangerous domestic violence offenders and 65 had outstanding warrants for violent offences.

During the four-day operation, police engaged with high-risk domestic violence offenders on 2,755 occasions, made 292 applications for Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders (ADVOs), served 403 outstanding ADVOs, completed 4,828 ADVO compliance checks and 1,071 bail compliance checks.

NSW Police target the state's most dangerous domestic violence offenders - Heckenberg. Picture: NSW Police

Officers also served 98 Firearm Prohibition Orders (FPOs) searches at properties linked to those who are subject to FPOs.

They seized 29 firearms and 13 prohibited weapons as well as various types of illicit drugs located with 57 detections.

A DV offender arrested during a raid at Horsley Park. Picture: NSW Police

The fourth instalment of Amarok has seen a total of 2,333 arrests made with 4,185 charges laid against the offenders.

Officers have also seized 95 firearms, 150 weapons, completed 19,082 ADVO compliance checks, and 5,567 DV bail compliance checks.

NSW Police Deputy Commissioner Mal Lanyon said the strategy behind Operation Amarok is working effectively.

“Our persistent targeting of the most dangerous domestic violence offenders is effective – we have arrested more than 2000 high-risk perpetrators, with more than half remaining behind bars remanded in custody,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.

Hundreds of weapons were seized during the Amarok IV raids. Picture: NSW Police

A dismantled rifle located at Bulli. Picture: NSW Police

“14 women have lost their lives in NSW in the past year as a result of domestic and family violence. There is no excuse for this – these offenders pose a significant threat to victims, to family members, to other members of the community.

“Police must continue the tactics employed by our high-risk offender teams to target these people, the seriousness of their crimes must not be understated.

95 firearms and 150 other weapons have been surrendered to police during the Amarok raids. Picture: NSW Police

A number of alarming weapons were located and seized in the state’s DV crackdown. Picture: NSW Police

The Deputy Commissioner underlined the importance of focusing on the wellbeing of the victims.

“Operation Amarok is just one element of the NSW Police Force’s overhaul of how we respond to and prevent domestic and family violence. Whilst focusing on perpetrators is one important aspect, a focus must always be on the health and wellbeing of victims,” Deputy Commissioner Lanyon said.

NSW Police target the state's most dangerous domestic violence offenders, this Regents Park man was arrested during the raids. Picture: NSW Police

“Since its introduction earlier this year, the ‘Empower You’ app has been downloaded by more than 6,000 users, on both Apple and Android devices. It has also been deployed to more than 13,000 NSW Police handheld devices for officers to use and recommend to victims or users in the field.

“This is not the end of Operation Amarok – the NSW Police Force will continue to battle the perception that domestic and family violence is private business. We all have a part to play in stopping the senseless loss of life due to this crime.”

Information about the NSW Police Force response to domestic and family violence can be found online.

Victims of domestic and family violence can find information about support services by contacting 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732) or visiting this link.

Reports of domestic and family-related crime or abuse can be made by contacting or attending your local police station. In an emergency, contact Triple Zero (000).