News

The Growing Menace Of Phone Snatch Theft And How To Protect Yourself

10 Sep 2024 08:41:11

In today’s world, smartphones have become indispensable—they are our communication hubs, navigation tools, and often, our wallets!

They are often our most valuable personal possessions, always with us and frequently on display. This makes them prime targets for phone snatch thefts, a crime that is on the rise. Thieves target individuals in crowded places, using stealth and speed to steal phones before the victim realises what’s happening.

In this blog, we’ll explore common phone snatch theft scenarios, offer practical advice on how to protect yourself, and explain what to do if it ever happens to you.

Understanding Phone Snatch Theft

Phone snatch theft is a crime of opportunity. Thieves often target individuals who are distracted—walking while texting, standing on the street using GPS, or sitting in a café with their phone on the table. These criminals are quick and can easily disappear into a crowd or speed off on a motorbike before the victim has a chance to react.

Common scenarios include:

• Public Transport: Thieves may snatch phones from the hands of unsuspecting passengers while they are entering or exiting buses, trains, or trams.
• Busy Streets: Walking while using your phone can make you an easy target for thieves who can grab it and disappear in seconds.
• Cafés and Restaurants: Phones left on tables or held loosely can be taken by thieves who pose as customers.
• Motorbike Drive-By: Thieves on motorbikes often target pedestrians using their phones close to the road, grabbing the device and speeding away.

The Impact of Phone Theft

Losing a phone is more than just losing a device. The contents of a smartphone—personal data, photos, banking information, and more—are often irreplaceable and can lead to further issues like identity theft. Moreover, the emotional impact of being targeted in such a crime can leave victims feeling vulnerable and anxious.

How to Protect Yourself

While phone snatch theft is a real threat, there are several precautions you can take to minimise your risk:

2. Use Your Phone Discreetly
Try to keep your phone out of sight when not in use. When using your phone in public, hold it securely with both hands and close to your body, making it harder for someone to grab it.

4. Invest in Anti-Theft Accessories
Consider using anti-theft phone cases, wrist straps, or phone lanyards that make it harder for thieves to snatch your phone easily.

6. Don’t Leave Your Phone Unattended
Never leave your phone on a table in a café, restaurant, or bar, especially near the edge. Keep it in your pocket or bag, or hold it in your hand if necessary.

8. Stay Alert to Suspicious Behaviour
If someone is acting suspiciously or getting too close to you, be cautious. Trust your instincts and move to a safer location if necessary.

10. Register Your Phone on Immobilise.com
Registering your phone increases the chances of it being identified and returned if it’s ever stolen. Our easy guide shows you how: Register a Mobile Phone (Immoblise.com).

What to Do If Your Phone Is Stolen

If you do fall victim to phone snatch theft, act quickly:

• Report the theft to the police immediately, providing details of where and how it happened.
• Use tracking apps like ‘Find My Phone’ to try and locate your device. Remember not to confront criminals yourself—always let the police handle it for your safety.
• Notify your mobile provider to suspend your service and prevent unauthorised use.
• Change all your passwords for apps and services linked to your phone, especially for banking and social media accounts.
• Monitor your accounts for any suspicious activity.
• Report the theft as soon as possible on your Immobilise account.

Phone snatch theft is a distressing crime that can happen to anyone. However, by staying vigilant and taking some basic precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of becoming a victim. Remember, your safety is paramount—no phone is worth endangering yourself. Stay aware, stay secure, and keep your phone protected.

Stay safe and keep connected responsibly!

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Safe And Sound: How To Have A Secure Festival Experience This Summer

18 Jun 2024 14:49:00

Summer has finally arrived, and that festival you’ve been eagerly awaiting is just around the corner!

The UK is a nation of festival-goers. A study by UK Music shows that over 37 million people attended UK festivals and concerts in 2022!

Festivals are all about letting go and having a blast, but with so many people around, they come with unique security challenges.

It’s so easy to get swept up in the excitement of planning travel and other logistics that you might forget about securing your valuables.

Phones top the list of at-risk items at UK festivals, with over one in ten festival goers having lost, damaged or had a device stolen.

As with anything, planning is key to having a great time without any nasty surprises. Fortunately, there are steps you can take before and during the event to ensure a safer, more enjoyable experience.

Before you go…

Here are our top tips for securing your possessions before heading off to soak up the vibes.

• Mark & register your valuables. Almost all of us will take a phone to an event, and it’s crucial to register it before you set off. Dial *#06# on your handset to reveal the 15-digit IMEI number(s) on the screen. Create an account on Immobilise.com and register the device’s make, model, IMEI, and serial numbers. It only takes a few minutes and is completely FREE. Add other identifiable marks using a UV pen or an asset label for an extra layer of security. Should you lose your phone and it is found, this will help the authorities return it to you. If you are taking other devices, such as a smartwatch or camera, register these as well.
  
  
• Note important details. Write down the contact details for a friend and a family member you can reach, including your phone’s provider and your bank account information, in case you need to cancel cards or report the loss or theft of your phone. Keep these details on a piece of paper in a safe place—separate from your phone!
  
  
• Check your travel insurance policy. If you have one, review it. You might be covered for trips in the UK lasting more than two nights, but ensure it includes tent stays.
  Additionally, consider personal possessions insurance. Check for policy exclusions or excess payments. This is often an add-on to contents insurance, so verify if you already have it with your home insurance.
  
  
• Check if the venue is cashless. If not, use on-site cashpoints rather than carrying large amounts of cash.
  

When you’re there…

Following a few basic rules will help you enjoy the experience and keep yourself and your belongings safe.

• Keep valuables out of sight. Don’t store them in outer pockets; instead, keep them in a secure location like a zippered pocket or money belt.
  
  
• Use lockers if available. Some festivals offer free lockers where you can store items that might be targeted by thieves, like bikes or car keys.
  
  
• Keep valuables to a minimum. If possible, leave your valuable phone at home! Consider taking an older phone instead of your latest model. Phone theft is common at festivals, so if you must take your phone, protect it with a passcode and turn on location tracking such as ‘Find My iPhone’. Additionally, consider using a crossbody lanyard case, making it much harder for someone to snatch it from you. Check out the latest phone lanyards of 2024 in the review below: Top 10 Best Phone Lanyards in 2024 – FindThisBest (UK)
  
  
• Protect your phone. Use a waterproof cover to prevent damage from spills, being dropped in a puddle, or even a pint!
  
  
• Secure valuables at night. Keep wallets, phones, cameras, car keys, etc., at the bottom of your sleeping bag where they’re inaccessible to others.
  
  
• Be mindful of your surroundings. In the moment, you could get separated from your friends in a crowd. Knowing the layout will help you get your bearings. Make a note of where festival staff or security points are.
  
  
• Look out for each other. Whether it’s your friends or other festival-goers, stay vigilant. If you see someone struggling, offer support by alerting the event staff.
  
  
• Consider using a safeguarding app. These allow you to share your location with trusted contacts.
  Examples include:
  Imabi Community: a free tool for real-time safety alerts.
  Imabi Guardian: a free personal safety app.
  
  
• Have a meeting place. Agree on a spot to meet up if you get separated. Just having a plan can reduce stress.
  

Festivals are tons of fun, and with careful planning, you can relax and enjoy them to the fullest. Get ready for an unforgettable festival experience!

For more great tips on festival safety, check out Festival Safe.  

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Secure Your Garden And Protect Your Home

18 Jun 2024 14:48:06

When it comes to security, many people focus solely on their homes and the vehicles parked outside. However, gardens are often a primary target for thieves.

According to a 2022 study by Sunlife, a staggering 9 out of 10 household thefts occur in the garden (Ideal Home).

The ‘Hot’ Targets Lurking In Your Garden
Modern gardens are often filled with valuable items, making them lucrative targets for thieves, especially during the summer when we tend to leave them outside for convenience.

Ideal Home reported that the most frequently stolen items from outdoor living spaces are quality garden furniture, ornaments, power tools, lawnmowers, BBQs, and ladders (2022 data).

Securing Access Points To Your Home
While we like to view our gardens as peaceful sanctuaries, they are also often the first line of defence against burglars looking to gain access to our homes.

According to the ONS, in the year running up to March 2023, there were 525 burglaries a day in England and Wales; that’s one every 165 seconds!

To avoid becoming a statistic, remember that securing your garden not only prevents theft of the possessions you keep in it, but it also makes it much harder for intruders to access your home.

Two-Pronged Security Approach
To secure your garden effectively, consider a two-pronged approach:

1. Secure high-value items.
2. Make your garden less attractive to thieves overall.
   

Be Proactive!
Thankfully, there are plenty of proactive ways to deter burglars from considering your property an easy target.

Think like an intruder. Would you steal something that is clearly marked and registered to the owner? Probably not. Thieves aim to avoid anything that may link them to a crime and perceive it as not worth the risk.

Ways To Help Deter Theft:

1. Register valuables: Immobilise.com is the world’s largest free register of possession ownership details and is searchable by all UK police. It is a powerful tool in the fight against property crime. Register your power tools, garden equipment, bicycles, and all other valuables with unique identifiers such as serial numbers or engravings. If your items don’t have identifiers, use a marking product like a UV pen, asset labels, or an etching tool.
   
   
2. Visible warnings: Use window stickers and labels on items of property to warn potential thieves that your items are protected, both in vehicles and buildings. Often, the mere presence of a warning is enough to deter a break-in.
   
   
3. Bikes: Bikes can be high-value, low-risk targets for potential thieves. If unprotected, they’re easy to resell in locations away from the theft. Statistics published by roadandmountainbikereviews.co.uk reveal that a bike is stolen every minute in the UK and fewer than 5% are returned to their owners. If you own one or more bikes, follow these steps:

• Register them on Immobilise.com – our useful video below will guide you through the simple process.
• Fit a security tag.
• Use visible deterrents.

Enhancing Garden Security

A criminal will nearly always take the path of least resistance. They will choose the house with the overgrown hedge, unlocked gate or the house that has places to hide around it while they scope out what is worth stealing. Don’t let that property be yours!

We’ll explore some key ways to secure your garden:

1. Boundaries: Ensure your fences and walls are secure. Adding a trellis or planting thorny climbers like Berberis, Hawthorn, Holly, or Pyracantha can be effective deterrents. These plants can also trap thieves, leaving behind valuable clues like torn clothes or DNA.
   
   
2. Gates and pathways: Always keep gates locked and use high-quality locks. Gravel pathways can deter intruders due to the noise they make when walked on.
   
   
3. Home entry points: Keep windows and doors closed when you’re not around. Installing proximity detectors, security lights, or cameras can add an extra layer of security.
   
   
4. Sheds and outbuildings: Regular maintenance is crucial. A Which? report highlights that 22,500 households fall victim to shed burglary annually, with power tools and bikes being common targets (2019). Ensure your shed has strong locks and hinges, and consider motion sensors and security lights. Failing to meet the minimum standard or maintenance condition for your shed could result in an insurance claim being rejected if you’re targeted by criminals.
   
   
5. Garden offices: Garden offices are becoming much more common. With computers and other expensive devices often left inside, it’s essential to secure the building. Check that windows and doors close properly and that the locks work efficiently. Consider adding an alarm system or CCTV and security lighting. Mark all your valuables with your postcode, register them on immobilise.com, and use deterrent stickers to let thieves know they are traceable.

Extra Steps You Can Take:

• Be community-minded: As with many things, there’s strength in numbers, and this applies to home and garden security, too. Think about joining a Neighbourhood Watch scheme or just agree to look out for each other’s property, especially when a house is empty.
  
  
• Avoid sharing your absence on social media: Some opportunists use social media to gauge when houses are vacant. Don’t post those holiday photos until you get home!

Summary
Securing your garden and everything in it makes it a much less attractive target and is a vital step in protecting your property.

Ensure your outdoor space remains a haven of peace and not an entry point to your home!

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Immobilise Sponsor Police UK Disability CIC Multi-Sport Event For Recovering Police Community Members

18 Jun 2024 14:47:32

We are thrilled to announce that the Immobilise team will be heading to the University of Nottingham in early August to support the inaugural Police UK Disability Multi-Sport event.

About The Event

This unique event aims to promote health and well-being through sports recovery. The adaptive sports offered are fully inclusive and open to serving and former officers and staff who are coping with mental health-related disorders, physical disabilities, or neurodiversity.

Participants will have the opportunity to try out Badminton, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, and Wheelchair Rugby.

Life-Saving Results

Sarah, a beneficiary of this not-for-profit community initiative, describes her experience as life-changing:

“The impact that playing sports, especially Wheelchair Rugby, has had on me is profound. Coming to terms with my illness has been extremely difficult. Having a team of like-minded people who understand what being disabled in the police means is beyond anything I could have dreamed of. It has given me a new zest for life, the courage to embrace my new normal, and pride in being part of the disabled community.

PUKDS has shown me there is still work to do and many more members of the police family who need help like I did. The support from this team and Gary has been life-saving. The feeling I get on the court, knowing I have my team behind me, is fantastic. When we huddle and shout ‘Police UK’ at the top of our lungs, I get a shiver down my spine. My life has been immeasurably changed, and I am grateful every day for this opportunity. Thank you, Dylan and the team—you saved me.”

Event Sponsorship

Through the shared goal of crime prevention, Immobilise has had a close relationship with the police for over two decades through the National Mobile Property Register (NMPR). This connection and the remarkable work accomplished through the initiative have led to sponsorship and support from Immobilise.

Gary Callier, Founder and Managing Director of Police UK Disability Sport CIC, comments:

“The Police UK Disability Sport CIC Multi-Sport event is designed to provide a safe environment whilst giving everyone the opportunity to take part in a variety of sports, managed by qualified coaches. This builds confidence and a sense of community through sports recovery.

The sponsorship provided by Immobilise is a key factor in PUKDS being able to showcase these sports on such an accessible platform. The venue allows us to run each sport simultaneously, enabling everyone to participate in as many sessions across all the sports as they wish.

The sponsorship also allows us to make this event completely free for all participants and helps facilitate all the police charities and other organisations to exhibit their products and services to the police community. All share a common mission: to provide the best possible support to officers and staff when they need it most.

To put it simply, without the sponsorship from Immobilise, PUKDS would not be able to showcase these fantastic sports in the way that we are able to.”

Event Details

• Date: Saturday 3rd & Sunday 4th August 2024
• Venue: David Ross Sports Village, University of Nottingham
• Time: 10 AM to 6 PM each day
• Sports on Offer: Badminton, Sitting Volleyball, Table Tennis, Wheelchair Basketball, Wheelchair Rugby

More Information

The PUKDS is a self-funded, not-for-profit, registered community interest company.

For more information about the PUKDS Sport CIC event, or to sign up for membership, visit www.policeukdisabilitysportcic.co.uk.

Download the exhibitor’s pack (PDF document, 778 KB):
PUKDS Multi-Sport Exhibitors Pack 2024

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Stumble Upon A Valuable? Know Your Next Move!

26 Oct 2023 11:55:49

Have you ever stumbled upon a valuable item like a ring, bicycle, or mobile phone while out and about? It can be an exciting discovery, but what should you do next? Understanding the legal course of action when you find something of value is essential to ensure you act responsibly and ethically. In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps and legal guidelines to follow when you find valuables in the UK.

Step 1: Report the Find

If you find a licence or document with an individual’s address on it, post it back to them. If there is no address but an issuing authority, such as a passport or blue badge, mail it back to the source. For anything else, visit your local police website – they all have links for reporting found property these days. They will ask questions about the find and offer further guidance and next steps.

Step 2: If the police don’t require a report

In situations where the police do not require a report for the found item, your next step involves several important actions to identify the owner:

Check for Identification Labels: Look for any visible markings that could help identify the owner. This includes Immobilise labels, which may feature a QR code or a barcoded serial number, indicating registration on the Immobilise national property register. Additionally, be on the lookout for other third-party marks or labels that might signify registration with a different service.

Visit Immobilise Website: If an Immobilise label is present, visit immobilise.com/search and enter the item’s details. This can help reconnect the item with its rightful owner while keeping their personal information confidential. Through this system, your contact details can be passed on to the owner if they are found.

Make Reasonable Enquiries: Independently of label checks, make reasonable efforts to find the owner. This could include asking people nearby, in offices, or shops, and considering leaving a note with your details. If the item was found on private property, such as a shop, pub, or workplace, inform the owner of the land or building.

Step 3: Where neither of the above applies

If you have exhausted the above, the law becomes a little complicated. If you have posted a notice anywhere or asked on local social media groups, we suggest you wait 90 days. If you haven’t heard from anyone after this time, you could consider selling it. However, UK law states that if the rightful owner can prove it’s theirs, you are liable to them for the proceeds, less reasonable storage costs for up to 6 years after the sale. However, this is unlikely to be an issue, mainly since the police process captures higher-value property.

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Beware Of Opportunistic Burglaries During Autumn & Beyond

04 Oct 2023 15:44:18

As the vibrant tapestry of autumnal foliage and the seasonal festivities step into the limelight, we also bid farewell to the extended daylight hours as the clocks retreat. Regrettably, these darker evenings often offer opportunities for would-be burglars. Statistics unveil a noticeable uptick in burglary incidents as autumn ushers in, with the recent analysis of home insurance claims drawing a connection to the changing time.

It’s somewhat surprising that many homeowners remain oblivious to the heightened risks that this season brings. A recent survey led by Yale, a renowned authority in home security and the originator of National Home Security Month, disclosed that 62% of Britons harbour no more significant concerns about their home’s security in winter than in summer.

The seasonal transition presents the ideal time to evaluate your home security to ensure the safety of your property during autumn and beyond.

Step 1: Enhance Outdoor security

When fortifying your home’s security, it is prudent to examine your outdoor spaces. Your residence’s exterior is the first defence against potential intruders, and its condition sends a clear message about your commitment to security.

Start by assessing the illumination near your home during the darker hours. Poorly lit exteriors offer malefactors the cover they seek, making it paramount to keep your home’s frontage well-illuminated and visible.
Curiously, only 38% of Yale’s recent survey respondents reported using security lighting. Many homeowners could benefit from investing in outdoor motion sensor lighting or employing timers for indoor lighting to simulate occupancy during absence.

The gates enclosing your property represent another potential point of vulnerability for burglars. A neglected or corroded gate can signal lax security and easy access to your home. Ensuring the gate is in good condition is crucial, and fortifying it with high-quality padlocks from a reputable brand can provide an extra layer of security.

In addition to gate security, it is imperative to maintain sturdy fencing around your premises. Broken or missing fence panels can create chinks in your armour, so it’s advisable to replace or repair them for enhanced security.

Only 40% of respondents in Yale’s survey indicated using high fences to bolster home protection, which presents an opportunity for homeowners to enhance security.

A straightforward step to deter opportunistic criminals is securely storing tools and garden equipment. Housing these items in a garden shed or garage ensures they remain out of sight and out of reach. Investing in a cost-effective shed and garage alarm system can provide an added layer of protection.

Furthermore, the upkeep of well-groomed hedges, bushes, and shrubs can discourage burglars from using them for concealment. Pruning low-hanging branches and planting hawthorn bushes can create an additional barrier against potential intruders.

Step 2: Secure All Entry Points

Once you have fortified the exterior of your home, it is crucial to ensure that all locks around your property are in good working order. This includes door and window locks and padlocks on sheds and garages.

The front door is a common point of entry for opportunistic criminals, so it’s essential to have a robust cylinder lock. Consider opting for a 3 Star Cylinder, which offers the highest level of protection and displays its quality to potential intruders.

Additionally, regularly check the condition of window locks and ensure they remain locked, especially at night or when you leave your home.

Step 3: Safeguard Outbuildings

Beyond the security of windows and doors, prioritising the protection of garages, sheds, and outbuildings is equally vital. Ensuring these spaces are locked with high-quality padlocks represents a straightforward measure that safeguards valuable tools and equipment.

A recent survey uncovered that only 15% of respondents considered garage security a pressing concern. However, these areas often house valuable items, making it prudent to invest in their safeguarding.

Consider installing security cameras or a CCTV system to monitor your property and garden remotely for a more intelligent security solution. Modern smart security cameras offer convenient remote monitoring via smartphone apps, providing homeowners with peace of mind.

While only 20% of Brits currently use CCTV cameras in their gardens, these devices act as effective deterrents against opportunistic criminals, making them a good investment.

Step 4: Secure the Interior

Following the enhancement of security measures on the outside of your home and garden, it is imperative to secure the interior. A smart alarm system can be a superb addition to your home security setup. These alarms safeguard your home and can extend protection to your shed and other outbuildings.
Smart alarms offer features such as mobile notifications when triggered and remote control via smartphone apps, enabling homeowners to monitor their property from virtually anywhere.
Consider augmenting your security with indoor cameras for added peace of mind. These user-friendly devices facilitate remote monitoring of various rooms through smartphone apps, providing extra protection for your possessions and pets.

Step 5: Strengthen Community Bonds

While smart security systems are valuable, we can’t always be present to watch over our homes. Building solid relationships with your neighbours can be a valuable asset, as they are more likely to notice and report any suspicious activity in the neighbourhood.

In some cases, joining Neighbourhood Watch schemes in your local area can enhance collective security efforts, reduce crime rates, and monitor suspicious activity.

References:
Churchill Home Insurance, 2021
A poll of 2000 UK Adults (Nationally Representative) run by OnePoll, commissioned by Yale UK, 2022

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Festival Security: 5 Ways To Protect Your Valuables

13 Jun 2023 10:44:49

37% of people have had a valuable item lost or stolen at a UK festival, costing an average of £146.35

– ComparetheMarket.com, 2022

1. Before you go, protect your belongings by registering them on Immobilise.com, improving your chances of getting them back if they’re lost or stolen.

2. Leave unnecessary valuables at home where possible. Some people even buy a cheap phone to take to festivals, leaving their more expensive handset safely back at home.

3. Keep your wits about you, especially when you’re in a crowd. Consider using a bumbag or money belt, instead of using a rucksack or keeping valuables in your pockets. If you do use a rucksack, wear it around your front in crowds.

4. Never leave valuable items in your tent when you’re not there. It’s worth checking whether there are secure lockers available to use instead. When you’re sleeping, keep valuables at the bottom of your sleeping bag.

5. Check in advance whether traders will take card payments or whether the festival you’re going to is running a cashless scheme, where you can load your wristband with credit beforehand. This way, you’ll avoid the need to carry cash.

For more handy festival tips, particularly if you’re a first-time festival-goer, visit https://www.festivalsafe.com/information/

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Safety In Numbers

12 May 2023 13:47:38

It’s true, there is safety in numbers. When neighbours pull together, the whole community becomes stronger. Every step you can take to protect your home, will also be a step in helping to protect your community. Don’t let your road become Easy Street!

Numbers matter. The number of people volunteering within a community, the number of police officers tackling crime, the number of people willing to do the right thing.

Another type of number matters too; serial numbers. They are the easiest possible way to identify an item. When police recover lost or potentially stolen items, they can enter the serial number – or any other unique identifier, for that matter – into a national database called the NMPR, to try to track down the rightful owner.

Did you know it’s completely free to add your valuables to this database? It’s quick and easy; you create an account on the Immobilise.com website and add the details of your items. Immobilise is the world’s biggest FREE ownership register, with over 35 million items already registered. If your valuable doesn’t already have a serial number or other unique identifier, you can add one by using a marking product such as a UV pen or asset label.

Registering your items doesn’t just safeguard your property and improve your chances of being reunited with them if they go missing. There are several other fantastic benefits; not just for you, but for your wider community as well:

• Immobilise gives police the evidence they need to prosecute thieves; for example,  when they find them in possession of valuables that aren’t registered to them.
• It also stops criminals from benefiting financially from theft, by alerting stolen goods database CheckMEND if a registered item goes missing.
• If you go one step further and advertise your registration efforts through window stickers or labels on items, it will help to make your home (and by extension, your neighbourhood) look like a dangerous target for criminals. Thieves and burglars are looking for an easy life – and unmarked, untraceable goods to steal and sell.

By registering your valuable items and being part of a community committed to crime prevention, you can increase the chances of recovering stolen goods and deterring criminals. Don’t wait until it’s too late to take action – start protecting your property today, by registering it on immobilise.com

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