HAMPSHIRE police are sending seasonal greetings to the county's criminals - urging them to give themselves up for Christmas.

Hundreds of cards are being sent out to known criminals in a festive crime-cutting drive by the constabulary.

Those at the top of the list of about 300 names include those who have arrest warrants issued for crimes ranging from traffic offences to burglary.

All are being urged to give themselves up for Christmas and surrender themselves at their nearest police station.

The message inside the card reads: "Ho Ho Ho! A very Merry Christmas from all of us at Hampshire Constabulary . . . that is if you stay out of prison."

It advises criminals to give themselves up so they can be dealt with in time for Christmas and enjoy the festive season without fear of being arrested and kept in jail.

"This is their opportunity to give themselves up when they can," said a police spokesman. If not the card goes on to warn: "If we don't hear from you then expect a visit from us anytime day or night. We even work on Christmas Day."

The move is being launched to cut crime at Christmas.

A Hampshire police spokesman said: "The aim was criminals were more likely to open a Christmas card rather than a letter from the police."

Already six people who were sent cards have given themselves up and more have arranged to speak to police officers in connection with their alleged offences.

About 20 of the most prolific offenders in the Winchester area have also been targeted.

Leading the initiative in the region Det Insp Dave Smith said: "The cards are a good way of showing persistent offenders that we won't be forgetting about them over the Christmas period."

The Crimestoppers organisation has praised the scheme as innovative.

"It is worth reminding people that we do work on Christmas Day and anyone who is wanted in connection with a crime is advised to contact the police or ourselves. At this time of year with alcohol flowing people do start bragging about what crime they may have committed, so anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers at anytime," said a spokesman.

But the initiative has been slam-med by the Victims of Crime organisation as nothing more than a public relations exercise. Spokesman Nor-man Brennan said: "I think the victims of crime would rather see the police officers themselves out on the streets picking up these people.''