Car thieves and drug offenders are among a hitlist of 12 prolific criminals who will be greeted with a Christmas card from cops in Preston this year.
The cards are being sent to people across the city who have previously committed crimes like robb
eries or burglaries or are known or suspected to be high volume perpetrators of offences like shoplifting, car crime or criminal damage.
Among characters on Fulwood police's Christmas card list is Leroy Allen, who was given a five-year Criminal Anti-Social Behaviour Order (CRASBO) and a suspended prison sentence two weeks ago after admitting a string of offences including thefts, motoring offences, burglary and drugs possession.
The 20-year-old, of Tennyson Mill Court, Ribbleton, Preston, had spent four years on the books of Burnley FC and two years with Blackburn Rovers before falling into a "downward spiral" of drugs at the age of 16.
Prolific thief Jack Murphy, 19, of Cedar Road, Ribbleton, will also receive a dose of the police's festive cheer as will James Rawcliffe, 26, of Robin Street, Ribbleton, who also has a history of stealing.
Nine others will also be getting an unexpected Christmas card through the post from the police.
Insp June Chessell, of Fulwood police, said: "The message is the targeting of persistent offenders will not stop due to the festive period.
"During Christmas and New Year the Task Force will be fully operative and will continue to use a mixture of tactics to disrupt the individuals that blight our communities.
"It is fantastic we have the opportunity to deploy additional resources to ensure our communities feel safe.
"We will continue targeting people up to and over the Christmas period."
Inside the card a printed message reads: "Have a happy crime free Christmas, and remember, we are watching you".
