Nineteen wanted criminals in the UK were arrested in a police sting after being tricked into meeting police officers by the promise of a free crate of beer.
Undercover police officers at Derbyshire police sent letters to dozens of people who had previously evaded arrest asking them to ring a marketing company to collect a free crate of beer.
A total of 19 criminals fell for the hoax and called the number on the letter, which put them through to police officers based at Chesterfield Police Station.
They were told they needed to arrange a date and time for the free alcohol to be delivered at an agreed address.
But when the knock came at their door, instead of being handed free beer, the wanted men were confronted by police, handcuffed and put under arrest.
Chief Inspector Graham McLaughlin, who led the sting known as Operation Rocky, said: “These suspects are people who have managed to evade arrest for some time so we have used different tactics to find them.
“It has been very cost effective as it can take a lot of time and money to track people down.
“We use a variety of methods to arrest those suspected of committing criminal offences and we will continue to use new tactics when necessary.”
Alleged offences committed by some of those arrested range from burglary and robbery to a serious sexual assault.
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