LONDON (AP) — It gives new meaning to the term "letter of the law."
A British police force announced Friday it has come up with a new measure to combat crime — a polite letter asking persistent offenders to mend their ways.
On Friday morning, 22 men and women in Wiltshire county, southern England, received personal letters from Inspector Geoff Miles telling them they have a choice — get back on the straight and narrow or be targeted by police.
The letters were hand delivered to a group of repeat offenders who have been convicted of offenses including burglary, violence and drug- and alcohol-related crime.
"I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that, due to your criminal activity, your name appears on the above data and has highlighted you as a persistent offender," said the letters.
The letter helpfully suggests that the offender "make it a priority in any New Year's resolutions you make from 2003 onwards, to cease forthwith your criminal activities."
Wiltshire police say the program is experimental, but it will be closely watched by other forces keen to cut down on time spent pursuing repeat offenders.
"Of course, I'm hoping they will say: 'You're absolutely right officer, I will stop my criminal ways,' " Miles said. "But we are being realistic. I'm sure some will be angry. . . . Sending these letters will not do any harm."