Fake TV game show traps 'wanted' guests

[Claude]

I've heard of similar tricks used by police in the US (inviting people to pick up a prize), but to actually create a TV show is over the top

Game show traps 'wanted' guests

A number of people wanted by police were duped into appearing on a fake TV game show, only to find themselves trapped by detectives. Hampshire Police sent hoax letters to the homes of fine-dodgers and others wanted on court warrants, offering them the chance to win big cash prizes. Twenty contestants were invited to Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday to take part in the Great Big Giveaway Show.

But instead of leaving as millionaires, 17 of them ended up under arrest. They were wanted for outstanding fines, traffic offences, common assault, criminal damage, drink-driving, drugs and bail offences.

The whole event, recorded for Channel Five, is to be broadcast later this year.

Celebrities Neil and Christine Hamilton were employed to front the show and actor Darren Day provided a voice-over. As the "guests" arrived they were frisked and had their identities checked by a police officer dressed in a dinner suit. After having their make-up done, the contestants waited backstage where they could hear the sound of a taped studio audience.

One by one they were called on to the stage, along a red carpet, through a cloud smoke and straight into the hands of two awaiting police officers. Nine men and eight women were arrested, according to a Hampshire Police spokeswoman.

'Distasteful stunt'

Police plan to bring a further 144 fine-dodgers before magistrates after they replied to the hoax letters. Barry Hugill, spokesman for civil liberties campaign group Liberty criticised the sting, calling it a public relations stunt. "I clearly have no objection to the police tracking down petty offenders and people who have not paid their fines, but not if it becomes part of showbusiness. "A crime is something that is very serious and it cannot be treated like a game show. "Police will at times use covert measures but the way this has become entertainment is distasteful."

He also added that those brought to court would be entitled to instruct their lawyer to question whether there had been an invasion of privacy in the manner of their arrest.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england...ire/3717896.stm

[Dan Gould]

I say, bravo! It should be done everywhere, everyday.

[couw]

next on reality teevee: live broadcasts of death penalty executions.

stay tuned.

film at eleven.

[Jazzmoose]

Sounds like a big waste of money to me. What, they were too lazy to drive to their houses and pick them up? I can see it as a trick, but to actually go through the motions of bringing them on stage and filming it? How silly...

[Dan Gould]

Twenty contestants were invited to Portsmouth Guildhall on Sunday to take part in the Great Big Giveaway Show.

But instead of leaving as millionaires, 17 of them ended up under arrest.

So the remaining three left as millionaires?

Maybe the remaining three were living in the former homes of the accused and got the invite by mistake? Or were their relatives and assumed that the "prize" was transferable?

Obviously folks like Moose don't get the point:

These were petty criminals who probably assumed the cops had bigger fish to fry. By filming it and broadcasting it, the message is, don't think you can get out of minor fines or other low grade infractions. The cops will still come for ya.

The only thing I'd prefer is to use it on those accused of worse crimes. Its been done in the US and it usually works, filming or no filming.

[Jazzmoose]

Obviously folks like Moose don't get the point:

These were petty criminals who probably assumed the cops had bigger fish to fry. By filming it and broadcasting it, the message is, don't think you can get out of minor fines or other low grade infractions. The cops will still come for ya.

The only thing I'd prefer is to use it on those accused of worse crimes. Its been done in the US and it usually works, filming or no filming.

Obviously Dan still can't read..,. If I don't get it, why is that the last two sentences of your second post effectively restate my points?

[Dan Gould]

Obviously folks like Moose don't get the point:

These were petty criminals who probably assumed the cops had bigger fish to fry.  By filming it and broadcasting it, the message is, don't think you can get out of minor fines or other low grade infractions.  The cops will still come for ya.

The only thing I'd prefer is to use it on those accused of worse crimes.  Its been done in the US and it usually works, filming or no filming.

Obviously Dan still can't read..,. If I don't get it, why is that the last two sentences of your second post effectively restate my points?

Not quite, Moose.

You called the filming "silly". I said the broadcasting serves as a deterent.

The same sting against murderers or rapists doesn't need to do a broadcast. Those people are tougher to find, so the important thing is to get them to come to you.

Minor criminals are more likely to see this sort of broadcast or hear about it, and a deterrent effect is more likely to exist.

[couw]

Sounds like a big waste of money to me.

the problem is that it is probably NOT a waste of money, but a way to make money by selling the show to the highest bidder. I can understand that commercialisation of policing is not considered a problem in the land of the free and the bounty hunters, but my soft 'n' girly Euro take on this is a bit more sceptic.

buy Nike, the shoe that puts criminals behind bars.

film at eleven.

[catesta]

Sounds like a big waste of money to me. What, they were too lazy to drive to their houses and pick them up? I can see it as a trick, but to actually go through the motions of bringing them on stage and filming it? How silly...

Yep.

If the people were able to get the letters, that meant they could be found. Go over to the house and arrest them.

Cops love this kind of shit.

Couw, you're right, they will probable make a fortune off of this.