Season's greetings for offenders

CHRISTMAS cards featuring a prison scene and a warning about the misery of spending the festive season “inside” are being sent out by police.
The cards, which are going to Warrington’s most persistent criminals, feature a picture of a prison-style Christmas dinner on a red plastic tray, a plastic mug and an artificial tree.
They will drop onto doormats at the homes of long-term burglars, car criminals and violent offenders who are not currently serving prison sentences.
And the message reads: “Christmas Time…No mistletoe or wine. Dinner bell ringing. You’re Doing Time.”
Underneath is the Cheshire Police logo and three words – “Thinking of You.”
Although the tone is humorous police says the message is serious.
Assistant Chief Constable David Baines said: “A number of people have come to our attention over the past year through the crimes they have committed. We want them to know they remain in our thoughts over the Christmas and New Year period.
“The cards are meant as a reminder to these individuals that we will continue to monitor their activity. It is a message warning them to refrain from committing acts of criminality or face the consequence of a term in prison. It is also intended as a well-meaning prompt that our organisation will do all that is legally possible to prevent them ruining anyone else’s Christmas.”
Chief Inspector Nick Bailey, of the Northern Area which includes Warrington, said a small number of offenders can have a great impact on the community.
He said: “We are keen to undertake a range of tactics to reduce the offending patterns of these individuals in the area.
“By sending these cards we are reminding them that we have not forgotten about them and that we will continue to monitor their activity – whatever time of year.”
It was a small gesture but if it made the person “stop and think” about the consequences of their actions, it could make a big impact.
Pictured… the greetings card for persistent offenders