Spring Park
Neighbourhood Watch
Past Messages
Message No 90 - 28th June 2010
1. Burglaries are rising in Shirley, taking place mainly in the daytime. Please ensure all your windows (even small ones), doors and garages are securely locked. Don’t leave keys lying about indoors. A red Ford Fiesta has been seen near one of the burglaries with a suspect described as a white male in his late 20’s.
Message No 88 - 26th March 2010
Last Sunday, 9pm, a young woman walking her alsastian dog in Bushy Road was pushed from behind and fell to the ground. The dog ran off and was recovered later and her mobile phone slid away. An unknown woman had approached her just before this. It is not known whether the dog or the phone was the target. Please try not to walk alone at night. Motor vehicle crime is still high, so please ensure that you do not leave anything in your car.
Message No 87 - 23rd January 2010
1. In Wickham Road at 6.45pm, a householder received a knock on their door. A 20yr old black female asked for help with her car. 3 black male suspects also in their 20’s wearing dark clothing and masks then forced entry to the home in order to steal the car keys to vehicle parked on drive. Always check who is calling. Look and speak through a window. Always use a chain, Fit a spyhole. Keep your house and car keys completely out of sight.
2. Be on the lookout for a scam clothing company called W&W Help Ltd. Don’t give them anything. Take your unwanted items to a recognised charity.
Message No 87A - 1st February 2010
At 5.30am this morning, two black men were seen in Greenway Gardens. One wearing a grey hat with ear flaps walked down the driveways of several houses while the other stayed at the beginning of each driveway. Both men were about 6ft tall.
Please ensure that nothing is left in your cars and all back and side house entrances and garages are securely locked. Take your house and car keys upstairs when you retire.
Message No 86 - 23rd November 2009
1. Croydon Trading Standards “Check a Trade” approved Trader Scheme. For details of vetted local traders call 0845 408 4866 or, visit http://www.checkatrade.com Remember you have 7 days to cancel a contract when signed on the doorstep even if you did not invite the caller to your home.
2. Burglary – please ensure your homes are secure in the run up to Christmas – don’t leave Christmas presents on view. The Burglary Squad ask you to call 07799 583232 if you have information or intelligence. It is not an emergency number and is not to be used to report a crime.
Message No 85 - 28th September 2009
1. Rouge traders offering roofing, building repairs or gardening are in the area. The price is often low. Don't be taken in because the price will usually rise when they start work. Always obtain 3 quotes from reputable companies. preferably those that have been recommended by a friend or neighbour. Call consumer direct on 08454 040506 for advice.
2. A company saying they are working for BT and offering free phone calls appears to want to know how you pay your bills and are trying to obtain your bank details. Please don't give any personal information out over the phone. Let us know:
Non-emergency telephone for police 0300 123 1212
Message No 84 - 19th July 2009
Motor Vehicle crime is rising again in Spring Park. Do not leave anything on view in your car. Ensure you remove Sat/Nav marks on windscreens. Buy tamper proof tax disc holders from the Post Office. Fit anti-theft screws on your number plates (available from Halfords £2.99)
â Shirley SNT offer free Vehicle Crime Prevention advice – Saturday 12th September 2009, 10am – 1pm in Halfords, Wickham Road, Shirley
Non-emergency telephone for police 0300 123 1212
Message No 83 - 18th June 2009
1. A burglar alarm company going by the name of SAS Security have been making phonecalls to residents stating that they are working in conjunction with the police to help protect houses from burglars. They are asking people if they currently have a burglar alarm and are offering to come out and install a free alarm if they do not currently have one. We believe this to be a scam for the company to gain access to properties and would advise all residents to not give them any personal information or state that they do not have an alarm.
People can register with the Telephone Preference Service whereby individuals can register their wish not to receive unsolicited sales and marketing telephone calls. It is a legal requirement that companies do not make such calls to numbers registered on the TPS. Their contact number is 0845 070 0707 and the website address is www.tpsonline.org.uk.
2. A change in law:- if you have work done by solicited or unsolicited callers, they must give documentation including cancellation rights. Ensure you get a written quote.
3. www.fixmystreet.com is a useful site to register broken lamps, loose kerbstones or flytipping. It will send a message straight to Croydon Council and you can follow progress. Visit our website: www.springparknw.co.uk for other useful crime information.
Message No 81 - 16th April 2009
1. A light blue Ford Fiesta car was stolen from Annesley Drive last week. The car was later found burnt out at New Addington. The incident occurred between 11pm & 11.30pm and four youths wearing hoodies were seen in the area at the time. If you see anything suspicious please call the police on 999 immediately. The car owner has been very inconvenienced by this theft.
2. Burglaries are rising. Be on the lookout for unusual signs outside neighbouring homes. Signs such as chalk symbols on walls, fences or pavements, plastic bags tied to gates, or a pile of stones. Please advise the police on 0300 123 1212 as these signs could indicate a home is being targeted.
Message No 79A - 20th December 2008
A burglary occurred in Greenway Gardens on Thursday evening at 7pm whilst the residents were in the house. The burglar entered through the unlocked back door via the back garden and stole a handbag from the hallway. The bag and most of its contents were found in two back gardens. Fortunately only a small amount of cash was taken. This was a very bold burglar who must have known the residents were in the ground floor rooms, as the lights were on and no curtains drawn. Please ensure your doors and windows are locked even when the house is occupied
Message No 79 - 10th December 2008
1. Bogus callers in our area. A woman selling pictures and shedding tears as a ploy. A man saying the resident had loose tiles and lastly, a man persistently ringing a doorbell & shouting, “It’s an emergency.” This panicked the resident and the man entered the property and he started looking at the taps and under the sink whilst his accomplice stole some cash. Keep the door chain on and if anyone is trying to enter your home and you do not know them, dial 999.
2. Burglaries – please do not leave your Christmas presents in view under the tree or in your car.
Message No 77 - 23rd August 2008
1. A local burglary took place near midnight last weekend. Please do remember to check all your window and door locks before going to bed. When away, put internal lights on timer switches and ask a neighbour to check for post or newspapers left outside. This incident was not related to the Minstead Operation. 2. The same weekend 3 garden shed burglaries in another road. Chain up your tools, ensure you have good locks or door bars as barriers.
Message No 73 - 19th May 2008
Mobile Phone Scam – just started in Shirley. The resident receives a note through the door asking them to sign for a parcel which will be delivered to them, saying the parcel will be collected later that day. The parcel arrives addressed to an unknown name but bearing the resident’s full address. The parcel contains a new mobile phone which the scammers will try and collect. Do not take the parcel and refuse to sign for it. Otherwise you will receive a bill for the cost of the phone plus monthly charges.
1. Garden Open Day on 21st June 2008. 10am-4pm at 17 Greenway Gardens, Shirley. Sales of plants, cakes, bric-a-brac, face painting & raffle. Come & support your local Neighbourhood Watch.
2. Bogus Police Officer targeted couple in Shirley, cash & credit card taken. Always ask for identity, check it with Croydon Police on 020 8667 1212. Don’t let them in until you are sure they are genuine.
Shirley SNT 020 8721 2469 & Heathfield SNT 020 8721 2468.
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Message No 72 - 19th Mayl 2008
1. A gang is stealing catalytic converters from underneath Ford Transit vans and other larger vehicles such as 4x4’s. They use pipe cutters to avoid noise. If you see anything suspicious call 999 and note unknown vehicle numbers.
2. A medium build white man, 40ish, with little or no hair, casually dressed, has knocked on doors in Spring Park asking if the resident’s old car is for sale. We are not sure of his motive, however please do not open your door to strangers. Please report any incidents to the police 020 8667 1212. Shirley SNT 020 8721 2469 & Heathfield SNT 020 8721 2468.
Message No 71 - 28th April 2008
1. Heathfield Police have advised of an incident late on 25th April involving an elderly man driving through Shirley who offered a lift to a young while male, who asked to be taken to New Addington. Once there, the elderly man was assaulted and his car stolen. For your personal safety please do not invite strangers into your car. If you feel someone needs help and you are on your own, drive to a safe place and call the emergency services on 999.
2. We are receiving information about two home improvement companies targeting Shirley who are cold calling. Please say NO and telephone Trading Standards on 020 8407 1310 with the details. Shirley SNT 020 8721 2469 & Heathfield SNT 020 8721 2468
Message No 70 - 3rd April 2008
1. A woman in her 20s, has been approaching older women trying to provoke sympathy with stories such as, “My sister or friend is pregnant and has been turned out of her home.” She ends up asking for some money, maybe just £2 to get on the bus. She is often seen near bus-stops and has been seen near Langland Gardens. Wearing a dark brown jacket with light brown collar, brown hair tied in a pony tail.
Dial 999 if you see her operating. Local Police – Shirley SNT 8721 2469 & Heathfield SNT 8721 2468
2. The pilot No Cold Calling Zone has been amazingly successful. Thank you all. Do please keep saying NO to cold callers and reporting any offenders to Trading Standards on 020 8407 1310.
Message No 69A - 20 February 2008
re: 808 Wickham Road, Shirley – Licence to extend opening hours
A new kebab shop, “Time 2 Grill” is proposed on the Bluebird Parade on the site of the previous Unwins Off Licence. As the original application notice was not properly and visibly displayed, Croydon Council have agreed a further 28 day extension from 18th February 2008, for appeal by local residents. The Licence being applied for is to stay open from Sunday to Wednesday until 12 midnight, on Thursdays until 1pm and on Friday and Saturday nights until 2am. This will be the only premise in Shirley and West Wickham opening to such late hours and as such will attract people after the pubs have closed and will undoubtedly cause much disturbance for the residents in this area leading to anti-social behaviour and increased crime throughout Shirley. The Shirley Safer Neighbourhood Team are raising their objections and we, as residents, must raise our own objections.
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Message No 69 - 14 February 2008
On Wednesday, this week an elderly Shirley resident was approached in West Wickham High Street by a white man with a foreign accent. The stranger was very friendly and coaxed the elderly man into going to the stranger’s car in a side street to sell him a supposedly expensive jacket. The elderly man then went to his bank and withdrew £780 to pay for the jacket. He was even given a lift home to Shirley by the conman. We have no further description of the car or occupant. Just be aware whenever you are out shopping.
Message No 68 - 12 February 2008
Last week a Cheston Avenue resident was robbed of £50 by a man pretending to be a Water Board official. Just after she arrived home he knocked on her front door saying that there was a problem with dirty water at a neighbour’s house and he needed to check her water supply.
Please do not allow anyone to enter your home without proper identity. You can refuse them entry and ask them to make an appointment. If you are unsure, always telephone the relevant supplier to check the identity or, ask a neighbour to help you.
Message No 67 - 15 January 2008
1. Please ensure you do not leave your car keys in the house when going on holiday. Leave keys with a trusted neighbour. Two recent house burglaries have resulted in 2 expensive cars being stolen and attempts made to steal another vehicle at a different location.
2. Do not give your credit card numbers or bank details to anyone telephoning you. Banks will not ask for this information either by phone or by sending you an email. Report any requests to
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Message No 66A - 22nd December 2007
On Friday 21st December a house backing onto the Bennetts Way bridle path was burgled and car keys were taken. The two BMW cars parked at the front of the house were stolen. The owners had just gone away on holiday. Did you see or hear anything between 7pm & 7.30pm?
Please inform the Shirley SNT team or the Croydon Police on 8667 1212.
1. Always inform your neighbours of your intended holiday so they can keep a watch.
2. Do not leave your car keys in the house on these occasions.
3. Please try to use a reputable cab company or pick up a cab from outside someone else’s home, so they do not know where you live.
4. Don’t put your home address on the luggage labels.
Message No 66 - 14th November 2007
1. Increase in burglaries slipping the yale lock with a plastic bank card. Please ensure you use your mortice lock as well to secure your doors. Please report any suspicious incident or any person hanging about unnecessarily outside properties in Shirley. Tel: 999 immediately.
2. Whatever your experience of the Shirley “No Cold Calling Zone”. Please write now to Trading Standards, Croydon Council, Taberner House, Croydon CR9 3JS, as they are evaluating the project.
Message No 65 - October 2007
1. We are pleased to advise that our Neighbourhood Watch group has received sponsorship for the crime message system from the Co-operative Membership Community Fund for the next 12 months.
2. The Shirley Ward Panel is comprised of local people living and working in the Shirley Ward.They meet every 2 months to focus on crime and disorder concerns within the community and by setting crime priorities for the Shirley Neighbourhood Team. Raise your issues by leaving a message on 07927 535 348. Your message will be dealt with as soon as possible. Abridged minutes of the Ward Panel meetings can be found in Shirley Library and the Co-op store.
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Message No 64 - 12th SEptember 2007
Police are advising residents to keep watch for a White Toyota Estate Registration No. P776 WNJ. The occupants have been targeting elderly people in the area offering gardening work. Please do not engage in conversation with these people on any subject. Just close the door and report immediately to the police by dialling 999.
The Government’s TrustMark scheme will help you to choose a reputable firm to carry out work on your home. Visit the website www.trustmark.org.uk or, Tel: 08454 04 05 06 for consumer advice.
Message No 62 - 6th August 2007
Be aware of a regular visiting “rag & bone” van. Scruffy White Box Van with some blue paint on rear, often with rear door open. Vehicle No. G229 FEF. A stainless steel sink unit with tap, stolen from the side of a resident’s driveway by the garage. She had previously been approached by the 2 white occupants of this vehicle as they wanted to buy the item. When refused, they returned a few days later and took it. They were seen & pursued on foot by the resident who lost sight of them.
Call theShirley SNT Team - 8721 2469. Heathfield SNT – 8721 2468.
Message No 61 - 8th July 2007
The Home Office has warned of telephone scams coming from abroad designed to obtain your personal details. A resident received such a call last Saturday, purporting to come from a government agency, using convincing verbal phrasing, saying there was a government initiative to minimise debt and stating you could reduce your debt by up to 2/3rds by talking to a financial adviser. It asked him to press 5 to talk with the adviser. DON’T PRESS 5, DISCONNECT THE CALL.
Be sure you know who is calling. Keep your personal, bank or credit card details safe.
Call the Shirley SNT Team - 8721 2469. Heathfield SNT – 8721 2468. Our Website www.springparknw.co.u
Message No 60 - 25th July 2007
1. A lady in a white van stopped an elderly lady in Orchard Way, greeting her like a long lost friend and then followed her home. She was selling a carpet. Unfortunately, the elderly lady actually let her into her home.
2. Delivery of a new Yellow Pages directory will start in the Croydon area from
14 July and will take some 2 – 3 weeks to complete. They should be placed out of sight.
3. A bogus police officer, with no ID, has appeared in East Croydon and South Norwood pretending to investigate break-ins where windows in properties have been smashed. Cash was stolen from the properties. Our Website: www.springparknw.co.uk
Shirley Safer Neighbourhood Team - 8721 2469, Heathfield SNT – 8721 2468
Message No 59 - 7th June 2007
Last week, in Lime Tree Grove, there was a theft from a front porch at 2pm. A girl about 16 years old walked up the drive, opened the porch and took a yucca plant and put it in a pram and walked off. She was then met by another woman waiting further up the road. The girl was white about
5' 4" wearing track suit bottoms with a stripe and grey jacket. Secure your outdoor pots and hanging baskets. Please report any incident, no matter how small by telephone on 8667 1212. Advise Shirley Safer Neighbourhood Team on 0208 7212 469.
Message No 58 - 17th March 2007
Burglaries are still occurring in Shirley, the most recent attempts in mid-evening trying to gain entry through side kitchen windows. Please ensure your windows are locked with a key or other device. Have 2 locks on the front and back doors. If you go out, leave some lights on a timer switch to make the property looked inhabited and alternate which lights are left on. Pull your curtains. Tell your neighbours if you are away.
Message No 57 - 12th February 2007
1. Information from Surrey Police report three white males described as "traveller types" using a silver Ford Galaxy vehicle have been calling on elderly residents in the Caterham area, offering building maintenance services, they may move into other parts of Croydon.
2. Also, Economical Gates Servicing, with a contact of Charlie (may be from Turkey), 0792 251 3320. Don't trust anyone calling on you touting work.
3. Several reports from New Addington, Monks Hill and South Croydon of bogus water board white men gaining entry to homes on various pretences, such as checking high or low water pressure. Have you set up your password with Thames Water yet?
Contact them on 0845 9200 800.
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Message No 54A - 16th October 2006
Due to an incident at a Wickham Road maisonette, it is essential to remind you to shut and lock your windows and doors early. It is even more important, because British Summer Time ends this weekend and it will be even darker much earlier. As you know from last week’s newspaper and TV reports, we are in the area of the Minstead burglar and rapist so:- Close up, lock up & be safe!
Remember – if a crime is being committed or somebody is in danger, always dial 999
Message No 53 - 7th August 2006
An East European/Romany woman, height about 5' 4", with long black hair in a ponytail, dressed in t-shirt and trousers. She was seen looking in windows and trying to enter gardens in Oak Avenue and Links View Road, and did manage to enter a house through an open French door. When challenged she answered in broken English. She appears has also been seen stopping people in West Wickham asking for money. Avoid the opportunist thief by shutting house windows, doors and garage doors in hot weather, particularly when you are in the garden.
Message No 52 - 27th April 2006
1. In Shirley there has been a bogus caller posing as a police officer. Never open the door to a stranger. Always put the chain on the door. Check their ID before opening the door. Ask them to return at another time when you have someone with you. If you feel they are trying to gain entry, dial 999 straight away.
2. Two burglary attempts have been made whilst owners were on holiday. Ensure your front doors, porch doors and windows are securely locked. Take your car keys with you. Use a reputable cab company to take you to the airport. Don’t put your address on your luggage label. Ask your neighbours to keep a look out. Dial 999 if you see or hear anything suspicious.
Message No 51 - 30th March 2006
It's the time of the year when people have work done on their homes. Cold callers offering to do roof work, driveways, windows etc should not be approaching you without invitation. However if you do go ahead with a cold caller quote, do remember you have cancellation rights of 7 days, provided the work has not started. Call Trading Standards on 0845 4040506 if you have any queries. Always obtain written quotations from at least two other companies and do not enter into any verbal agreement.
Message No 50 - 4th January 2006
Digital Camera Scam - Don't be fooled by a postcard from Parcel Delivery Services saying "an item (digital camera) is awaiting your instruction to arrange delivery to your address". These cards suggest you ring an 090 number to obtain a Security Confirmation Code. The call will cost you £9 for an item you have not ordered with possibly no delivery. The card I have is being forwarded to Croydon Trading Standards Office for their attention.
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Message No. 49 - 16th December 2005
Since 5th December there have been a spate of burglaries in the Thornton Heath area. The Police are now instigating two big operations in Thornton Heath to combat these crimes. They envisage this will drive some of the burglary suspects out – possibly to Shirley. The Police request that you check your homes are fully secure. Keep valuables and Christmas presents out of sight. Our PC Gary Sugden and PCSO Colin will be doing more patrols. Telephone 999 if you think a crime being committed. Take down all the details you can about suspects, height, build, clothing, and car numbers. Non urgent telephone calls to 8667 1212.
Message No. 48 - 14th November 2005
Burglary
Last week, within a 3-day period, there were 7 daylight burglaries carried out in Bennetts Way and Devonshire Way. Entry was often through back kitchen windows. Please ensure your windows are locked securely and gates to your garden are padlocked. Report any suspicious activity or noise immediately by dialling 999. Write down descriptions and timings and report as well.
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Message No. 47 - 18th October 2005
Murder:- A young man was stabbed to death in the Parkfields area last Friday. If you have any information please contact the Incident Room on 020 8721 4054.
Bogus Callers: Last week an elderly lady in Mead Way was robbed of a credit card by bogus callers. The man stated that his keys had been thrown into her garden and asked to search. Then another knock from a a woman who kept the resident busy while the man searched the house. Both callers were well dressed.
Good News: After a resident’s handbag with house keys was stolen last June, her garage was broken into and her car stolen. The car was recovered in Surrey and DNA evidence was found in it which linked to a man known for attacks on elderly women. The man is currently in prison for other offences.
Message No. 46 - 12th August 2005
Police have just issued a warning about many burglaries that have taken place in the Bromley, Addiscombe and Stroud Green areas and could spread to Shirley. Often entry is made through windows left open during the warm weather. The burglaries have been occurring mainly in the early hours of the morning. Please ensure your doors and windows are securely locked at night. Good news: Following on from police intelligence reports, a raid was made on a house in Shirley. A man has been arrested and it is likely a custodial sentence will be given.
Message No. 43 - 8th March 2005
Be on the look out for a white male described as not very tall, slim build, wearing a woolly hat, no noticeable accent and aged about 30 years. Called on a Shirley lady saying he had done work for her before. When lady & friend refused, the suspect became aggressive and made assault threats before driving off in a white van. The resident was given a business card saying ‘Complete Property Maintenance, Old Rectory Lane, Banstead’. There is a gipsy site nearby. This is the 3rd time builders have cold called at this address. Also, men posing as Water Board Officials, checking the water pressure, have been trying to gain entry to homes in Cheston Avenue and Orchard Way recently. Call the police immediately 8667 1212.
Message No.42 - 5th January 2005
here is a pushy young white man, aged in late twenties, who has been knocking on doors in Lime Tree Grove, Bushey and Bridle Roads saying he has come back to finish off some tree work or roof work and asking for money to do the job. Checks have revealed he doesn’t come from the company he mentions.. Please don’t part with any money or let him into your home. He drives a white open back van with ladders, Vehicle No. RX03 MVN. Please telephone the police on 020 8649 1212 immediately if you see this vehicle.
Message No. 41 - 11th December 2005
Shirley is being targeted by three different telephone scams. Residents have been receiving telephone calls supposedly from BT Connect who then ask you to repeat your telephone number. We are not sure of the purpose of these calls but they are definitely not from BT. If you have further information, please let me know. Also a security company is telephoning saying they are in the Shirley area and would like to do a security check on your windows and doors. They then proceed to ask your address. The company may be called EECS. Please do not give any personal information. This matter has been reported to Crime Prevention and Trading Standards. Thirdly, a cheery Ho Ho Ho from Father Christmas announcing you have won a prize and press 9 to claim it. Don’t it will cost you money. - - - - Do enjoy your Christmas, from Carolyn 8777 7576
Message No. 40 - 23rd November 2005
Last week an elderly lady in Shirley had cash and credit cards stolen by two white men who knocked at her door at 4.45pm & forced their way in. One man was 40 years, stocky build, wearing black clothing. The other 24 years old. Both 5ft 10ins tall with Irish accents. Please put your door chain on. Police are interested in some men working in Spring Park recently, offering new driveways. An elderly couple found them very pushy. The two Irish men entered their home uninvited trying to insist on them signing some paperwork. Nothing was taken. The couple were previously targeted in September by men offering hedge trimming. The house was then “marked” by a plastic bag tied to their gate. One BMW & two Mercedes cars have been stolen in Spring Park recently. The houses were burgled shortly after the residents went on holiday and car keys taken. The last one on 20th November was carried out by four young males, one white with blond hair & three black men. They parked their stolen Mercedes car around the corner. A neighbour alerted Police to the suspicious activity but they got away. Please be careful who you tell about your holiday and what taxi company you use.
Message No.39 - 26th October 2005
Halloween and “Trick or Treat”. We hope that any child or young adult who intends to go out on this evening will be escorted by a responsible adult. Remember that many people are not happy with others knocking on their doors after dark. A group of young people wearing face masks can be very frightening. The Police are very aware of the problem and want to reassure residents they will be on patrol for the evening of 31st October. If any resident is intimidated or has threats made against them, please telephone the Police on 020 8667 1212. If you do not want to be involved in “Trick or Treat”, our advice is don’t open the door to anyone on 31st October. Please keep a watch on your vulnerable neighbours.
Message No.38 - 29th September 2005
There was a burglary in Tideswell Road which took place about 4am on Monday 27th September. The intruder gained entry via a very small downstairs window in the front of the house which had been left open. The owner of the house disturbed the intruder and fortunately nothing was taken. A figure was seen running down Girton Gardens. Please ensure all your windows upstairs and downstairs are secure and locked before retiring or going out. A large number of garages in Cheston Avenue were broken into on Tuesday night 28th September. If you are the owner of one of these garages, please check and report any damage to the police on 020 8667 1212 immediately.
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