A scheme in which police sent out warning Christmas cards to known trouble makers has been branded a success by Wycombe's top policeman.

In the run up to Christmas 150 cards were sent out to Wycombe District residents who had been convicted of alcohol related crimes or given fixed penalty notices.

The cards featured a picture of Santa Claus with the caption “Make sure this is the only Nick you'll be seeing this Christmas.”

Superintendent Rob Angell, area commander for Wycombe, said that there had been a drop in alcohol related crime this Christmas.

However, he said that the intention was not to cast a gloom over the festive period: “We don't want people to not have a good time over Christmas – it's about having a responsibly good time.”

Despite being pleased with the scheme, he said that he had received little feedback from the card recipients.

“You don't particularly expect them to ring in and say, 'thanks very much, that's very good of you,'” he said.

The card scheme was organised by Nightsafe, an organisation that brings together a number of groups from the Bucks area.

Thames Valley Police, Wycombe District Council, Buckinghamshire Drug and Alcohol Action Team, Bucks Trading Standards and Wycombe Watch are all represented.