Not just any christmas card...A GMP offender Christmas card

Date published: 30 November 2009

Greater Manchester Police is sending criminals a Marks and Spencer adverts inspired Christmas card this year.

The card, which is being sent to more than 1,000 offenders across the force, reads: ‘This is not just any Christmas dinner… this is a GMP custody suite Christmas dinner’ and warns potential criminals that instead of turkey with all the trimmings, they will face a sloppy microwave meal served in a plastic tray.

A version of the card targeted at suspected thieves reminds them that in the four months between June and September this year local burglary teams arrested almost 2,500 burglars.

It also warns them that police will be keeping up the level of activity that in the Operation Storm week of action this October saw 630 arrests and 200 police raids leading to the seizure of £25,000 in cash and £80,000 of drugs, £65,000 of stolen goods and the closure of six cannabis farms.

Assistant Chief Constable Terry Sweeney said: “The Christmas card isn’t just a quirky gimmick; there is a serious message in it for offenders. The choice is theirs, either they behave and enjoy Christmas dinner at home with their family and friends or they spend it with us.

“We will be sending the card to some of our most prolific offenders as well as paying them a personal visit to remind them that we’re watching them. If they step out of line we will have no hesitation in locking them up over Christmas.

“The Christmas card is part of a wide range of tactics being used to remind offenders that they’re under close police observation. Christmas should be a joyous occasion and we will not tolerate it being ruined for families by a handful of people.

“We would like offenders to put these cards on their mantelpiece as a constant reminder that we are on their case and will take any offending very seriously.”

To report crime call police on 0161 872 5050 or for more information visit www.gmp.police.uk.

You can also call anonymously with information about crime to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Crimestoppers is an independent charity who will not want your name, just your information. Your call will not be traced or recorded and you do not have to go to court or give a statement.