With Christmas rapidly approaching, detectives knew the offer of a free hamper packed full of luxury treats and several bottles of wine would prove difficult to turn down.

Indeed, almost 70 suspected criminals fell for the ruse after South Yorkshire Police reeled them in with a false offer suggesting they had been selected to receive such a festive gift.

Officers sent fake vouchers to the last-known addresses of more than 400 local suspects wanted for crimes including burglary, drink-driving, drugs offences and harassment, asking them to phone in to arrange a delivery slot with fictitious firm Herald Hampers.

The old-fashioned sting was deemed a great success after around 12 per cent of the suspects fell for the ruse and unknowingly got in touch with the police to let them know specifically when they would be home.

Detectives managed to arrest 21 of them in two days, on Monday and Tuesday this week, after they confirmed their identity on the doorstep before being invited to step outside to the van to select their wines.

Warrants had been issued for the arrest of the suspects, who had failed to appear at court, for crimes including cruelty to animals, possession of an imitation firearm and burglary.