Sussex Police has raised eyebrows with their latest publicity stunt, setting up a romantic dinner table complete with rose petals in an attempt to lure a wanted individual back into their jurisdiction.
The theatrical display, which includes a carefully arranged table setting, has sparked debate about the appropriate use of police resources and time.
Speaking on GB News, Michelle Dewberry said: "They've set up this kind of table like a romantic looking table, put rose petals on it and all the rest of it.
"They're basically trying to make out they've set this place at the dinner table for this fellow that they want to recall back into their remits.
Zia Yusef fumed at the "publicity stunt"
GB News
"Is this a good use of police time? Do we applaud that kind of entrepreneurial spirit, or is it a bit weird?"
Chairman of Reform UK, Zia Yusef agreed: "I think a it's weird. And we're in a situation where again, everybody at home can understand this.
"The police spend far too little time trying to catch criminals and solving crimes and ensuring they get put in prison.
"They are doing paperwork, diversity initiatives and all sorts of silly stunts. Here's an interesting data point.
"When you're walking down the street these days, so many people clasp their phones with two hands because they're so petrified that somebody's going to come along and grab them.
"Do you know what percentage of phone thefts, what percentage of cases of phone thefts? The suspect is even identified. Not arrested, charged, prosecuted, just identified one per cent.
"That is an eminently solvable crime. So many people say, oh, I looked at find my iPhone.
"I knew exactly where they were and the police didn't do anything about it.
"By the way, many of the police is full of incredible, wonderful people working for them.
Sussex Police posted the TikTok on Valentines Day
TikTok
"The vast majority of our police are just outstanding people who want to serve the force in their country, but they are so bogged down by paperwork, so demotivated and demoralised by low pay and bureaucracy everywhere.
"We need a total cultural reset in the police, and what we've just seen on our screens is a case in point of what's gone wrong."
"The unusual approach comes at a time when forces across the nation face mounting criticism over their handling of everyday crime and allocation of resources."
