Police sending criminals Christmas cards
Criminals are to get Christmas cards from police forces in the UK and Canada warning them to be on their best behaviour during the festive period.
West Midlands Police in England are sending the cards to career criminals including burglars, robbers and car thieves living in the region, in the hope that it will prick their consciences.
In the past, other police forces have posted cards in an attempt to bring down the number of thefts which happen at this time of year.
The cards will be mailed in the coming days, and vary depending on whether the criminals are single, or have their own family.
A police force in Canada is also sending gangsters Christmas cards with a picture of Santa Claus holding a machine gun.
The card features the Chief of Abbotsford, near Vancouver, dressed up as Father Christmas, complete with bullet-proof vest and a helmet, and carrying an automatic weapon – and it contains the caption, "Which list will you be on next year?", in reference to Santa's "naughty or nice" list.
The police told The Province newspaper that the card will be sent to "prolific offenders, property offenders and persons known for drug and gang activity".
Inside the card – which is being sent as part of the police force's Operation Resolution - there is a number to call for gangsters who wish to "make a different choice" in their life.
