Festive greetings from the 'cops'

Known offenders will receive Christmas greetings from the police

Hampshire Police are doing their bit to promote Christmas goodwill by sending out greeting cards to known offenders.

Persistent criminals are being warned they could find themselves swapping festive fare for prison food unless they 'behave' during the holidays.

Around 20 of the county's 'most prolific' offenders will receive a card with the message: "Seasons greetings from Hampshire Constabulary."

"We look forward to you making a crime free New Year's resolution!"

Det Insp Dave Smith said: "The cards are a good way of showing persistent offenders we won't be forgetting about them over the Christmas period."

"Officers will also patrol areas known to be prone to crime and target those known to commit crime, and we would urge those considering offending to think again, or they are likely to spend the festive season in a cell."