last night after upsetting the Bermuda Police Service.

The nosy socialite reported in her weekly column yesterday how uniformed officers were spotted at a Hamilton gas station with a Christmas tree in the trunk of their squad car.

Hester said she hoped the fir tree was destined for the office of Commissioner-designate Jonathan Smith and that the officer involved was not planning on doing a spot of domestic decorating while on the job.

The suggestion certainly upset some members of the Service, who were quick to respond to the snide remarks.

A Police spokeswoman said the officer involved, a W.P.c. Saltus, was in fact returning the huge tree to the Esso City Automart after it was stolen from there on December 16.

The spokeswoman said: "Obviously, Police are taking great exception to Hester's report, and wish a retraction or apology from Hester, reminding her that our uniformed officers are men and women (as opposed to boys and girls), who are working, whether she appreciates it or not, daily on her behalf, as well as on the behalf of the general community, to make this Island a safe place.

"It will probably become more apparent if Hester herself is ever the unfortunate victim of a crime.

"The facts of the incident, contrary to Hester's report, is that Police received the report of a stolen Christmas tree.

"Based on information received, W.P.c. 997 Saltus made immediate enquiries and attended the residence of the suspect.

"The tree was subsequently recovered from the rear of the yard, and returned within an hour of the theft occurring.'' And the spokeswoman said what was amazing was Hester's complete misreading of the situation and her ability to seem to prefer the negative over the positive when it came to Bermuda Police Service.

She added: "Ah, well, Hester, you'll be pleased to know, despite your faux pas, that W.P.c. Saltus has been recognised for her intuition leading to the quick recovery of the tree.''