The Police Service of Northern Ireland (PSNI) has arrested 36 individuals in a coordinated 12-hour policing operation conducted on Thursday, 12 March.

The intensive crackdown targeted persons wanted in connection with a range of offences, including serious assault, domestic abuse, and road traffic violations.

The operation spanned five key districts: Lisburn and Castlereagh, Ards and North Down, Causeway Coast and Glens, Mid and East Antrim, and Antrim and Newtownabbey. Officers focused on executing outstanding warrants and locating suspects linked to active investigations, as well as those in breach of court-imposed conditions.

This latest action reinforces the PSNI's strategic commitment to protecting vulnerable people and addressing violence against women and girls. It follows a similar large-scale initiative in October 2025, which resulted in 32 arrests across six districts.

In addition to the arrests, police addressed various enforcement matters, including the resolution of outstanding fines and the service of court summons. Superintendent Johnston McDowell said: "This latest operation once again delivered strong results and demonstrates our determination to protect the public, support victims and bring offenders before the courts. 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. We will continue to work across districts, with partner agencies where appropriate to identify suspects, execute warrants and take positive action against those involved in criminality. I want to thank all officers and staff involved for their professionalism and commitment throughout this operation."

The PSNI has confirmed that proactive operations of this nature will continue as part of ongoing efforts to locate wanted persons and prevent further offending within the community.

Members of the public can contact the police on 101, or 999 in an emergency. Reports can also be submitted online via the non-emergency reporting form at www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/, or anonymously through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.