Seems crime does pay

Actually I don't think there's any real doubt about it in some instances where light sentencing and sheer bloody mindedness of some parasites on society are concerned, however this is about the state making crime pay, rather than the criminals themselves.

Express.

CRIMINALS are to be handed stolen bicycles by police...to help them find jobs and go straight.

Bikes which would previously have been auctioned under the Police Property Act will be “loaned” to offenders by Suffolk police.

But critics slammed the idea as an insult to crime victims.

Fiona McEvoy, for the TaxPayers’ Alliance, said: “This absurd scheme just legitimises the initial bike theft, with offenders benefiting directly from crime. Suffolk police could even be handing the bike to the very person who stole it, which isn’t much of a deterrent to would-be thieves.”

Cyclist Dave Brady, 29, of Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk, said: “Why should thugs who chose to lead a life a crime get any extra help? Give them a pair of trainers and they can walk.”

Police say cycles given to persistent offenders will be returned to their owners if they are identified.

So... nip up to Suffolk, commit a crime and get a free (stolen but impounded) bicycle?
Are these people mad in the Suffolk police?
My stepson finally managed to find temporary work for Medway council, he doubts he'll be kept on when the contract runs out and is currently filling in forms to join the army. We bought him a second hand bike to get to work and back on and he has spent his wages fairly wisely too, he's never been in trouble with the police, rarely drinks, doesn't smoke and generally is a credit to himself and us. The look on his face when I showed him this story was a picture, he honestly couldn't believe that criminals were benefiting from the idiocy of the state and asked why he bothered trying to be honest. I was lost for words to try and explain the situation, because I couldn't believe it myself.
This decision is a slap in the face for honest people everywhere.
As with my stepson, words fail me.