Police arrest most wanted criminals with offer of free Christmas hamper
DETECTIVES have served up just deserts to some of their most wanted villains – by inviting them to come along and collect a free Christmas hamper.
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Officers came up with the idea to track down fugitives from justice.
South Yorkshire Police sent leaflets to their last known addresses promising the free Christmas hampers, complete with champagne.
When the crooks turned up to collect their goodies from a fictitious food company, detectives were on hand to arrest them.
Officers netted 21 criminals who were being actively sought for offences including burglary, assault and fraud.
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It’s encouraging that our innovative approach has yielded positive results
Yesterday, South Yorkshire were toasting Operation Holly for hoodwinking so many crooks with the free festive offer.
Detective Chief Inspector Lee Berry said: “It’s encouraging that our innovative approach has yielded positive results.
“We will continue to explore new avenues for apprehending those wanted, which impacts upon the victims of crime.
“Anyone who feels they are above the law might want to reconsider their stance.”
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The villains were enticed by a “Herald Hampers” offer of free champagne, wine, and pudding, “bringing cheer at Christmas and memorable moments to your special occasions!”
After arranging their delivery slot and eagerly turning up at the collection point, the hapless villains found out the truth about the hampers.
In just two days, Operation Holly brought in suspects for dangerous driving and drink-driving offences, drugs offences, harassment, and supplying an illegal article into prison.
Some cases were dealt with on the same day, with penalties including driving bans, a recall to prison, a curfew and fines, and one person was remanded into prison custody.
DCI Lee said: “If you commit crime in South Yorkshire, we will come for you at any time, any place and in any guise to ensure we bring offenders to justice and keep our communities safe.”
Previous cunning schemes used by police to trap missing villains have included offers of free beer.
Derbyshire constabulary netted 19 suspects after inviting their targets to sign up for their crate by telling them which address they were living at.
The criminals they nabbed were wanted for offences including burglary, robbery and serious sexual assault.
