[bbfan1991]

A Canadian police chief has taken the festive message of goodwill to all men to the next level - by sending gangsters Christmas cards.

The card shows the Chief of Abbotsford near Vancouver dressed up as Father Christmas with a difference as he models a bullet-proof vest, helmet and a couple of automatic weapons.



Police told The Province newspaper that "prolific offenders, property offenders and persons known for drug and gang activity" will be receiving the card this year. Abbotsford is one of the most crime-ridden cities in Canada, recording the highest number of murders per capita in 2008 and 2009.

The caption on the Christmas card reads: "Which list will you be on next year?" referring to the 'naughty or nice' list Father Christmas is meant to use to decide whether to give children presents or coal.

Police are sending the cards in what they've called 'Operation Resolution' to give career criminals the chance to "make a different choice". They can find a number to call "if they want to turn their life around" inside the card.

However, some people are dubious about the use of an image of Santa Claus packing heat, labelling it "plain wrong". One said: "It would only bother me if I was on the naughty list."