ESSEX Police is warning criminals they will be back behind bars unless they stay on the right side of the law.

The force is sending out two sets of postcards – one to custody suites and the other to the Integrated Offender Management Unit who will be giving them to prolific offenders – many of whom have just been released from jail, urging them to stay away from crime or spend summer behind bars.

On the front of the postcard is a picture of a jail cell with sunshine streaming through the bars and the question “Wish you were here?”

The other postcard features a picture of food cooking on a barbeque next to a picture of a jail cell and the question “Which metal bars would you prefer this summer?”

Turnover the card and it carries the message: “Don’t spend your summer inside. If you are involved in crime, you’ll waste your time and ours. It’s not too late to turn your life around.

There are organisations and people out there who can help.

For more information, please visit: http://www.essex.police.uk/WhereToGetHelp”

While the postcards warn criminals that if they continue to offend they will be arrested, those who want to make a fresh start are being offered a helping hand.

Recipients are being directed to a special section of the Essex Police website featuring organisations who can offer support and guidance in areas such as drug and alcohol rehabilitation, employment, housing and mental health.

Chief Inspector David Colwell said: “These postcards send a clear message to offenders that they have two choices: stay out of trouble or face summer behind bars.

“If you continue to make the lives of law abiding people a misery, we will find you and take robust action.”

However, police are keen to stress that offenders are also being offered help to turn their lives around.

Chief Inspector Colwell added: “We know some criminals make definitive choices and actively pursue a life of crime. Others get drawn into a life of crime as a consequence of dropping out of education, falling in with the wrong crowd or stealing to fund a habit.

“Many of these people don’t want to be living in constant fear of being arrested or always looking over their shoulder.”

If you know someone who is an offender, find out where to get help by visiting: http://www.essex.police.uk/WhereToGetHelp