Abbotsford Police Christmas cards featuring the chief in a Santa suit sporting an assault rifle and a bullet-proof vest sent to offenders received three positive responses.

The card depicted Chief Bob Rich in the red velvet suit and white beard with the question: "Which list will you be on . . . naughty or nice?"

Inside the card was a message suggesting the recipients - property offenders and persons known for drug and gang activity - could choose to change their lives.

It encouraged them to make new year's resolution to leave crime behind and provided an APD number for people to call.

Const. Ian MacDonald said that three people responded, one through e-mail, one with a phone call while third wrote a Christmas card of his own.

In all instances, the individuals expressed appreciation for the APD's initiative and said they were making resolutions to turn their lives around, said MacDonald.

The man who phoned the APD said he liked the card and added that his recent arrest by an officer was a catalyst for getting clean and wanting to make a change in his life.

"He said he was accepting the challenge and vowing making to make better choices," said MacDonald.

The APD didn't get any overt negative responses from those sent the cards.

"It doesn't mean somebody didn't throw it in the garbage can immediately, but equally, there might have be someone who thought positively of it and didn't contact us."

It cost the APD $325 to send out around 70 cards, said MacDonald.

RBaker@abbotsfordtimes.com

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