West Midlands Police have set up a station tuck shop to fund pick-me-ups for victims of crime.
Officers in Bloxwich, Walsall, use the tuck shop's profits of around £1,000 a year to carry out random acts of kindness for people who are having a tough time.
The snack station has funded surprises including a new window for a family whose home was vandalised, a bike wheel for a boy with autism knocked over by a car, and a carvery meal for a couple who had been burgled.
The scheme was created by Sergeant Gemma Griffith three years ago.
She said: "The station is 24/7 and with everyone being so busy, officers often need a quick fix to keep them going.
A thank you card written by Jane Hodges
"I just buy a few bits from local shops which keep it stocked up. The top seller is currently the extra-long jelly snake."
Regulations say the force cannot profit from tuck shop sales, but Sergeant Griffith puts a small mark-up on the snacks to fund the kind gestures.
Officers then nominate people who they believe need cheering up.
Jane Hodges, 84, from Walsall, was treated by officers after she was burgled.
In a card written to the force, she said: "Thank you for the flowers.... They were a real 'pick-me-up' after the experience.
"I have never called upon the police service (apart from a parking fine many years ago) but I am most impressed."
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