'Stop blanking us': Kingston police write funny open letter to wanted woman urging her to 'stop ignoring us'

Police sent the suspect a Facebook friend request in a bid to track her down
Open letter: Tracey Dyke.
Kingston MPS
Francesca Gillett6 January 2017
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Police in south-west London have split opinion after they published an open letter to a wanted woman urging her to “stop blanking us”.

The amusing letter was written to suspect Tracey Dyke, who police claim is ignoring their attempts to track her down.

Suspect Ms Dyke is wanted by Kingston Police following a series of burglaries which have left victims in the area traumatised.

Officers said they sent her a friend request on Facebook, called at her home and texted her phone – all with no avail.

The open letter read: “We have come round to see you a number of times recently but it looks like you’d rather not speak to us, which is very disappointing.

Police penned an open letter to the suspect. (Met Police)
Kingston MPS

“We are a friendly bunch here at Kingston Police, I’m sure our followers will vouch for this.

“We have a slight suspicion that you might be blanking us #awkward. You don’t text, you don’t call back and haven’t accepted our friend request.

“We won’t stand for this and want to have a discussion with you at our custody suite in Kingston.”

Ta ta for now: Kingston Police's letter has divided opinion.
Kingston MPS

Officers said Ms Dyke had two options – to hand herself in or call 101 and be picked up by police.

The letter added: “I’m sure you’ll understand it’s best to pop in or give us a call straight away.”

The suspect, Tracey Dyke.
Kingston MPS

Kingston Police wished Ms Dyke a happy New Year and said they are “looking forward to seeing you soon” and signed off with TTFN – “ta ta for now”.

But some have hit out at the public post which they claim is unfairly targeting the woman, while others called it an “exemplary” use of the internet by the police.

Samuel McCready said on Facebook: "Do we really want our police acting like this? How would you feel little Facebook trolls if you were accused of a crime and the local police used your case as an opportunity for the lolz."

But Glynn Olive wrote: "It's no different to BBC Crimewatch showing a suspects photo on their 'wanted' wall. Innovation in the face of reducing police numbers and bureaucracy. Well done!"

But PC Seb Ellis, the officer who penned the letter, said it shows a new way of using social media to put out public appeals.

“She’s not convicted, it’s just a wanted person and picture,” he said.

“When we do normal wanted pictures, with just the normal appeal, it never gets anywhere.”

He said he hopes this new method will help in tracking the wanted woman down.

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