A prolific burglar found by Kingston police through a controversial open letter has been jailed for four years.

Tracey Dyke, 30, was wanted by Kingston police in connection with a series of burglaries across the borough earlier this year, but officers could not find her.

Officers then posted an open letter on social media begging Dyke to get in touch with the force and “stop blanking” their calls.

The post soon went viral, but prompted a mixed response from residents with some branding the public shaming as “disgusting” while others called it “hilarious”.

Despite the criticism, one eagle-eyed resident spotted Dyke after reading the post and she was soon arrested and charged.

She was sentenced to four years and three months in prison at Kingston Crown Court on Friday having pleaded guilty to 18 counts including conspiracy to burgle, burglary and fraud.

She admitted the crimes in light of the overwhelming evidence, police said.

Detective Inspector Adam Guttridge who was in charge of the investigation, said: “I would like to thank the public and the media for their assistance in tracking down Tracey, she was located via a member of the public who had seen the letter and called 999.

“Burglary is a terrible crime and severely affects the victims who have to pick up the pieces after their homes are broken into and their valuables stolen.

“Tracey was a career criminal and has been in and out of police custody for most of her adult life. She will now spend a number of years behind bars.

“Burglary is treated with the upmost importance in Kingston and we will do everything in our power to bring offenders to justice including using social media and our local residents to help us track down and convict criminals.”