A FIVE-year-old boy has written a Christmas card to plead with thieves not to ruin the festive period for children this year.

Alex, from Cheshire, decided to write the card after his bike trailer and his dad’s bike were stolen on a family day out at Chester Zoo in July.

The incident left Alex feeling distraught, unable to sleep and making him believe that thieves would come to his house to steal more valuables.

Alex’s mum said: “Designing this Christmas card has really helped Alex as it has made him feel like he is doing a good thing in helping to make thieves behave and to ensure no other children experience terrible nightmares like he did.”

Alex’s card will be used as part of Cheshire Constabulary’s All we want for Christmas campaign and sent to all prolific and priority offenders as well as known criminals in the county.

Superintendent Peter Crowcroft, who oversees the force’s neighbourhood policing, said: “It is incredibly brave and touching of Alex to turn how these criminals made him feel into a positive and to try and prevent other children from having to feel the same way.

“I hope when offenders read his words it will make them stop and think twice about the impact their crimes can have on victims and communities, and stop them ruining a family’s Christmas.”

Police and crime commissioner David Keane said: “I really hope that every offender who receives the card takes the time to read and think about Alex’s words and make the choice to be a positive member of our community rather than making the decision to continue to ruin people’s lives.

“Finally I would like to say a big thank you to Alex for sharing his experiences.”