The Abbotsford Police Department’s (APD) latest holiday greeting to crooks shows Santa – Chief Bob Rich – wishing for a washboard stomach with the message, “Christmas is a time for reflection.”
The cards come complete with a small mirror and a further message that states, “What do you see in the mirror? Is it time to make a change?”
This is the fourth year the APD has sent out Christmas cards to criminals and troublemakers, with the idea that they consider changing their lifestyle.
Const. Ian MacDonald said 108 such cards have been mailed out this year, with a focus on problem and prolific property offenders and those involved in the Townline Hill gang conflict, which has seen two groups of young men in a violent battle for drug turf.
MacDonald said the cards are sent out to encourage people who have made poor choices “to reflect on those decisions,” “to look in the mirror” and to choose a crime-free lifestyle.
“We can all examine our lives and our choices and make adjustments that will be positive for us and those around us,” he said.
The cards provide an APD hotline (604-864-4777) for individuals to call if they are willing to make a change.
The program – called Operation Resolution – began in 2012 and sparked controversy and international media attention when the greeting card featured Police Chief Bob Rich dressed as Santa, carrying an assault rifle and wearing tactical gear.
(Pictured below is the Abbotsford Police Department’s first holiday greeting card that it sent out in 2012, prompting controversy and international attention.)
