I WRITE regarding Thames Valley Police’s policy of sending Christmas cards to convicted people. How things have changed.

I recall back in about 1995 a sergeant at Woodstock sending a card to a naughty person after making several attempts to arrest him on a warrant for non-payment of a fine.

The card wished the miscreant and his family a merry Christmas from all the boys in blue at Woodstock and expressed the hope that they might meet him after the Christmas period was over.

I thought it rather humorous but the police’s hierarchy then conducted a disciplinary enquiry and the officer was given a sharp warning as to his future conduct.

Officers were, of course, happy to accept a statement from the recipient of the card while conveniently ignoring the fact that he was still wanted for not paying his fine.

However, on this occasion, at least Thames valley Police officers are supporting their local postmen by putting work their way – so we shouldn’t be too hard on them.

Chris Payne, Turnpike Road, Caversfield, Bicester