An appeal posted online by a branch of the Metropolitan Police has attracted a large amount of attention, and not all of it has been positive.

Kingston Police shared an appeal on its Facebook page on Thursday January 5, asking for a wanted suspect to "stop ignoring us".

It comes after the force were unable to find Tracey Dyke, who the police would like to speak to in connection with multiple burglaries.

With language like "#Awkward" in response to the suspect "blanking" the police and "TTFN", used to sign off, the appeal has gained a rather mixed response.

Some have praised Kingston Police saying that the appeal is "genius" and "refreshing", whilst others have branded it "unprofessional."

The Facebook post has received more than 80,000 shares, 11,000 comments and 77,000 likes.

The force also shared the appeal on Twitter.

In the post, the force included a picture of the woman, alongside a letter, entitled: "Please can you stop ignoring us…"

It reads:

"Dear Tracey Dyke,

"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.

"We are a friendly bunch here at Kingston Police, I’m sure our followers will vouch for this. We take pride in reducing crime in Kingston and work hard to keep our residents safe.

"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.

"Our Detectives currently have you as a suspect for multiple burglaries in Kingston, where sadly vulnerable victims have been targeted - this has left them traumatised and very upset.

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

"You have two options: Hand yourself in at the Police Station or Give us a call on 101 and we’ll come and pick you up.

"In the mean time, we shall be asking our friends on our social media pages to share this post which will then be seen by thousands of local people.

"Our advice to them will be to call 999 if you are seen which will get a rapid response from our officers.

"The public also have an option to call our Detectives directly on (07881 352381) to pass any information on in confidence.

"So I’m sure you’ll understand its best to pop in or give us a call straight away.

"Looking forward to seeing you soon and happy new year…."

The force then sign off:

"TTFN

"Love

"Kingston Police".

On Facebook, Johnandmyra Scott said: "Sorry, I think this is very unprofessional and what has the police come to.

"How legal is this.

"Sorry totally flabbergasted that an organisation like the police would do this. What is this country coming to."

Guy Taylor said: "As a former police officer myself I think this is a terrible bit of policing."

Others agreed.

However, Kingston Police have also received a lot of praise for their appeal.

On Facebook, Lor Raine said: "I find this refreshing to see!!"

Whilst Karen Yates commented: "Omg I can't stop laughing this is brilliant.

"What a brilliant letter, love the sense of humour and it's to the point ,well done."

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