Remember these are only tips, you can do everything right
and still be the victim of a crime. If a crime happens to
you call the University Police at 628-5304
General:
-
Always lock
and secure your car and never leave your valuables, including
cell phones and CD cases, in plain view.
-
Always lock your
bicycle with a U-lock through the front wheel and frame
to the bike rack.
-
Always lock your door(s) when sleeping
or away from your residence hall room or apartment.
-
Do not
keep large amounts of money in your possession. Keep your
checks, credit cards and other items of value secured
and out of sight.
-
Always keep your room keys with you, even
when going to the showers. Do not lend your keys to others.
-
Do
not prop open any exterior doors.
-
Report any suspicious
person or activity to the University Police Department
at 628-5304.
-
Always ask, “Who’s there?” before
saying “Come
in.”
-
At night avoid dark, secluded routes in your
travels on and about campus. Be aware of the location of
emergency phones
and plan your route accordingly.
-
Don’t leave your
backpack or books unattended.
-
Don’t leave your long
distance access code in a conspicuous place where
anyone may see it.
-
Have a “designated friend” when
you go out. This person should be the designated driver
and should
look out
for people in your party who may be drugged or so intoxicated
they are making poor decisions. This person should
be completely sober.
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Personal Safety in the Parking Lots:
-
Walk to your
vehicle with your keys in hand. Do not place keys
between the web of your fingers as a weapon; this
will hurt you more than anyone else. Instead hold your door key
between your first finger and thumb; it can be
used to jab at eyes or soft tissue if needed. If you
use a remote, unlock
only the driver’s side door.
-
Walk with others or
make arrangements to leave work or class with others.
-
Check in with a friend or family member and let them
know that you are leaving/arriving so that they are aware
of
your plans.
-
Check the interior of your vehicle before getting in
by glancing in the windows.
-
If you see someone acting suspiciously,
report that information to the University Police Department.
You can contact the
Police by using one of the emergency telephones located
in the Kiosks or by dialing 911.
-
If you carry mace or other personal protection
devices make sure that you have used them before and know
how they work.
Crime Prevention Tips for Drivers:
-
Always keep your vehicle locked with windows
up, even while driving.
-
Park in well-lighted areas.
-
Avoid isolated roads and short-cuts.
-
Never pick up hitchhikers or people
you don't know well.
-
Keep your vehicle in good repair. Make certain you
have enough fuel.
-
Remain inside your vehicle if you develop mechanical trouble.
Keep the doors locked and the windows
up until help arrives. To signal distress, put up the hood or display a sign.
If someone stops to offer help, don't leave the vehicle;
ask
that they call the police or a service
provider.
-
If you are followed, drive to the nearest open business for
help, or go to a police or fire station.
-
When
dropping someone off, wait until passengers have safely entered their residence
or destination.
-
If involved in a minor collision at night or in an isolated
location, do not exit to inspect
damage or contact the other driver. Signal the other driver with your lights,
and proceed
to the nearest lighted and occupied
business or police
station.
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Crime Prevention Tips to Help Reduce Your Chances
of Becoming a Victim of a Non-Stranger Rape:
-
For your first few meeting,
go somewhere public and consider driving yourself to the location
until you feel comfortable with the person you are meeting.
-
Let others know
what your plans are and what time to expect your return.
-
Be aware of individuals
who take conversational liberties or touch inappropriately.
-
Discuss limits
and expectations of the date and relationship with the person you
are seeing.
-
If you choose to consume alcohol, drink moderate levels of
alcohol.
-
If on a date,
when your date is over, say your good-byes at a public place
or in the vehicle so you do not feel pressured to invite the person in your
room.
-
If you feel that you may be the victim of a sexual assault
facilitating drug
get help immediately. These drugs can incapacitate someone in a very short time.
-
Know
that sexual violence is not the fault of the victim. Only the perpetrators
can completely prevent rapes and sexual assaults.
Back to Top
Vehicle Safety Tips for Travel:
-
Plan
your route ahead of time. Have maps and directions in the vehicle before
you leave.
-
Always try and have at least a half a tank of gas. This will
help if weather,
construction, or vehicle problems cause you to become stranded.
-
Always remember
the last exit you passed to assist you in getting help to
your location.
-
Carry in the vehicle an
empty gas container, a gallon of water (allowing
room in the container for expansion if freezing temperatures), food bars,
blankets, a candle, and a "call
for help" sign.
-
Learn
how to change
a tire and perform
basic maintenance
on your vehicle
before traveling.
-
Allow yourself plenty of time to get to a location.
SEXUAL
ASSAULT – AN UNDERREPORTED CRIME
Most students who are raped or sexually
assaulted do not report it. They fear publicity, blame,
disbelief, or
reprisals – especially if they know their
attackers. Most college sexual assaults are
committed by dates and
acquaintances.Protect yourself:
-
Be especially
cautious during your first weeks at school – that
is when new students are most vulnerable.
-
Do not
use drugs or alcohol on dates.
-
Say “no” forcefully
if pressured for unwanted sex.
-
If “no” does
not work, try to get away by running and
screaming for help.
A person has the right at any time to say “no” to
any sexual act. Everyone also has the right
to turn down a partner with whom he/she previously consented
to have
sex. THESE ARE LEGAL RIGHTS.
Back to Top
Know What to do
if You are Sexually Assaulted:
-
Report the crime to campus police and or university
officials.
-
Get medical attention. The medical professionals collect
specimens and make detailed notes about the
physical evidence, such as bruises, cuts, torn clothing, and traces of semen.
You should be tested later for pregnancy,
sexually
transmitted diseases, and HIV.
-
Do not wash or change clothes – you
could destroy evidence.
Date rape, acquaintance rape, and any unwanted
sexual contact are crimes. REPORT THEM!
Prevent
Date Rape:
-
When you use threats,
intimidation, or force against a date
to have sex, you are committing
a crime.
-
A rapist can be arrested, prosecuted, and convicted of
a crime.
-
When a date says “no” –stop
-
Being drunk or drugged
is no legal excuse.
-
If your date is drunk or drugged, it is still
rape. In most states, sex with someone who
is intoxicated so that their judgment is impaired is sexual assault.
Back to Top
RAPE AWARENESS
LEARN HOW TO PREVENT IT
LEARN HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF
Rape is a violent sexual act committed
against a person’s will.
Myth:
Women who wear seductive clothing are asking
to be raped.
FACT: No woman ever wants to be forced into having
sex – no
matter how she is dressed.
Myth: Many women falsely report
rapes to get back at men.
FACT: Usually the opposite is true – rape often goes unreported because
women feel embarrassed, ashamed or afraid they won’t
be believed.
Myth: Women secretly want to be raped.
FACT: Rape is a brutal crime. No woman wants
the pain, injury or violence involved in raped.
Myth:
A rapist
wants sexual
satisfaction.
FACT: Rapists use sex as a way to hurt and
humiliate women. Rape is an act of power and
generally has
little to do
with sexual
desire.
Myth: Rapists are
impulsive and cannot control their desires.
FACT: Most rapes are planned.
Myth: Rape only
happens to single women who are not careful.
FACT: All types of women are attacked in all
types of circumstances.
Myth: Women who say “no” really mean “yes.”
FACT: The word “no” means No – it should
never be interpreted in any other way.
Myth: Women are powerless
against
the threat of rape.
FACT: Although rape is never a woman’s fault, there
are many things a woman can do to reduce the risk of rape.
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WAYS TO REDUCE THE RISK OF RAPE
At Home:
-
Avoid isolated places, such as elevators, laundry rooms
and garages, when you are alone or you feel uncomfortable with
someone there.
-
Leave lights on when you are out. Have your keys ready
when you return.
-
Install a peephole, and
use it! Do not open the door to strangers. Have police,
service people, etc. slip identification
under the door. Call the station or home office to verify the person’s
business.
-
Do not enter your home if it looks like it has been broken into.
Call the police from the nearest phone.
-
Install and use quality deadbolt
locks on all entry doors. Install and use window key locks on windows.
-
Vary
your daily routine, if possible so it is not predictable.
On Dates
or in Social Situations:
-
Learn
about a man’s attitudes – his words may
reveal hostility toward
women.
-
Avoid alcohol and other
drugs – they can cloud judgment and
slow responses. Be aware of your date’s
use of them too.
-
Do
not leave your drink unattended or drink something you did
not get or open yourself. Anyone can slip “date rape drugs” into
a drink. These
can cause intense drunkenness,
difficulty
moving and memory
loss.
-
Make your limits
clear before you get into a sexual situation.
-
Drive yourself, go
with another couple or arrange your own transportation, especially
if you
do not know your date well.
-
Avoid secluded places, such as parks. Meet in public
where help will be nearby.
-
Plan your route and walk confidently.
-
Do not walk in
isolated areas, especially at night.
-
Never hitchhike.
-
If you are being followed go into a store
or other area with people, or knock
on a door for help.
-
Lock your car when driving and parked.
-
Avoid isolated or poorly
lit parking spots
-
Scan the area when approaching your car. Look
under your car and in the
back seat too.
-
Have your keys ready when approaching the car.
-
If your car breaks
down. Lock the doors and stay inside. Ask anyone who stops
to call for help (Speak through a closed or slightly cracked
window)
Note:
Every
rape is different – and
sometimes it is
hard for women
to decide if
they were
really raped.
If you are confused
or frightened
by something that
happened,
talk with
a friend or the
Kelly Center
(785) 628-4401.
Back to Top
DON’T
TAKE CHANCES!!
DO
NOT take
your safety
for granted!
Learn
how to
protect:.......yourself…….your belongings…….against
crime.
Keep
your Door
Locked
-
Leaving it open for even one minute is an invitation
to robbery or attack.
-
Always lock your room or office if you are alone
after hours.
-
If you take even a short nap, first make sure the door is
locked.
-
Always find out who is knocking before you open the door.
-
Never leave doors
propped open for friends who will be coming over later.
-
Don’t lend your key
to anyone.
-
Don’t leave keys lying
around in your room, apartment.
-
Never let anyone else use a key you have been
entrusted with.
-
If your key is lost or stolen, report it to
the Residential Life staff,
landlord, and police.
-
At night, have your keys ready before you get to your
door (car, apartment).
By
understanding the risks and learning how to reduce them, you can make yourself
a less likely target
for crime.
Also,
know what
to do
after an
attack. You
need to
take action
after a
crime.
This
may include
calling the
police, getting
medical treatment
and talking
to a
counselor.
Back to Top
Crime
can
Happen:
-
To anybody.
Victims come from all economic classes and cultural backgrounds.
-
At any
time of day. Many crimes occur broad daylight, when you may least
expect it.
-
Just about anywhere. People are often attacked in places that seem
safe
(i.e. home, office or car). Safety depends less on where you are then on
what precautions
you have taken.
There is a lot you can do to Reduce your Risks
Avoid Risky Situations
o Stay out of isolated areas, especially at night
o Do not go off alone with anyone you do not know well.
o Never hitchhike.
Stay alert
o Pay attention to your surroundings – and the people in them! Watch
for behavior or attitudes that may signal trouble.
ÿ Trust your instincts
o If you sense something is wrong, get away as soon as possible.
It is always best to be cautious.
Back to Top
Following These Tips Can Make you Less Vulnerable:
-
Know where you are going
and the safest way to get there.
-
Tell a friend or family member when you
will be leaving and when you expect
to arrive.
-
Wear comfortable clothing and shoes so you will be able to move
fast if
you have to.
-
Walk at a good, steady pace,
and keep your head up – do
not look down at the ground.
-
Look confident – if
you find yourself in unfamiliar
surroundings do not show confusion or alarm.
-
Stay on well-lighted streets – choose
routes where
other people will be walking. Walk with a friend, whenever
possible.
-
Do not wear headphones – they
make you less aware
of what is going on around you.
-
Change course if someone is following you
on foot. Cross the street and
head toward people.
-
If followed by a car, turn around and walk in the opposite
direction.
-
Carry a whistle or other noisemaker. The sound may scare off
an attacker.
-
Do not stand too close to the car if you are giving motorist
directions.
-
Take special care when jogging or biking. Vary your route.
Go with a friend,
and avoid isolated areas.
-
Keep doors locked and windows rolled up when driving
-
Don’t pick up
hitchhikers, no matter how harmless
they look.
-
Keep an eye on your fuel
gauge – stop for gas if
you are running low.
-
Maintain your car, to reduce the chances of a breakdown.
If your Car Breaks
Down on the Highway:
-
Raise the hood and turn on the emergency flashers.
-
Stay inside the car with
the doors locked. Wait for the police.
-
If someone stops, crack the window
and ask him or her to call the police
or a nearby garage.
-
Carry a “Send Help” or “call police” banner
in your car.
Back to Top
Use Caution on Dates. Date Rape is a Serious
Problem.
To Help Protect Yourself:
-
Make your sexual limits
clear. Do this before you get in a sexual situation.
If you are pressured, be firm in your refusal. Tell
the person that “no” means
no.
-
Avoid secluded places. For example, stay away from deserted parks
or a
private home or apartment. Suggest meeting in a public place or double
dating.
-
Beware of alcohol and other drugs. They make it harder to stay in
control.
-
Do not leave your drink
unattended or drink anything you did not get or
open yourself – date
rape
drugs
mixed
in
drinks
can
leave
you
vulnerable.
-
Be independent. Do not let your date make all the decisions about
where
you go.
Back to Top
STREET
SENSE – IT
IS ELEMENTARY
Test
your street
sense….
1.
Do you jog
by yourself
early in the
morning or late
at night when
it is quiet
and lonely?
_____Yes
_____No
2.
Do you carry
all your
possessions – cash, keys, credit cards, and
checkbook – in
a
beloved
but
tattered
backpack
every
place
you
go
and
then
leave
it
laying
around?
_____Yes
_____No
3.
When
you
work
late
at
the
computer
lab
or
library,
do
you
think
it
is
silly
to
call
a
friend
or
the
University
Police
at
2
a.m.?
_____Yes
_____No
If
you
answered “yes” to any of these questions, you need to change
a few habits. Even if your score was a perfect “no, or never!” read
on. A few minutes might prevent trouble later.
Street Sense 101 – The
Basic
Mindset
-
Wherever you are – walking between classes, in the library,
shopping,
driving – stay
alert
and
tuned
into
your
surroundings.
-
Walk with confidence – show
that you are aware
and in control. Body language works.
-
Trust your instincts. If something
or someone makes you uneasy, get out
or away.
Back to Top
Street Sense 201 – Practical
Advice
-
Walk with a friend, whenever possible
-
Do not fumble in your pocket
or purse for your door key – have
it in hand before you reach your home or car.
-
Stick to well-lighted,
well-traveled areas. No shortcuts through wooded
areas, parking lots, or alleys.
-
Avoid jogging or biking alone. If you must
go by yourself, stay clear
of isolated or poorly lighted areas.
-
Out late studying? Call a friend or the
University Police when you are
ready to leave.
-
If you think someone is following you, abruptly switch directions
or cross
the street. If you are still being followed go to a public place and
ask for
help.
Telephone Sense 202 – How
to
Handle
the
Obscene
Phone
Call.
-
Hang up as soon as you realize the nature of the call.
-
Do not try to find
out who the caller is, and do not show any reaction.
-
If the calls keep
coming, notify the police. Keep a log of the times,
what the caller said, a description of the voice, and any background noise.
Back to Top
Protecting yourself at Home, in your Room or Apartment:
-
Lock
your door, even when you intend to return home shortly
or even if you are just going down the hall. It
takes a
thief ten seconds
or less to enter an open room and steal your property.
-
Lock
or secure doors and windows when you are alone or asleep.
-
Keep
emergency numbers by your phone.
-
Do not leave messages on
your door indicating that you are away and
when you will return.
-
Do not let strangers enter your room or apartment.
-
Do not
prop open exterior doors
-
If someone asks to use your phone
for an emergency call, offer to
call for them instead of allowing them access into your room or apartment.
-
Do
not put your address on your key ring.
-
Know your neighbors.
-
Do not leave keys in hiding places.
Thieves will find them.
-
Call 911 to report suspicious persons
or activity in or around
your neighbor.
Protect Yourself When Walking:
-
Avoid walking alone at night
unless absolutely necessary.
-
Keep to well-lighted, commonly
traveled routes
-
Avoid shortcuts and dark isolated areas.
-
Walk purposefully,
know where you are going, project a
no-nonsense image.
-
Avoid potentially dangerous situations.
-
If you feel threatened,
cross the street, locate an emergency
phone or enter a store or place of business even if you have just left it.
-
Have
your door keys ready. Carry them in your pockets,
not buried in a purse.
Important Phone numbers:
University
Police: (785) 628-5304
(8 a.m. – 4:30
p.m.)
(785)
625-1011 (after
hours)
Hays
City Police
Department: (785)
625-1011 (non-emergency)
911
(emergency)
Student
Affairs Office:
(785) 628-4277
Back to Top
Crime Prevention
Tips Provided by the
Hays Police
Department
Stay Safe – Utilize
a Designated Driver
As
the work
week ends
it may
be tempting
to relax
with an
alcoholic beverage and enjoy
the
time off. When we are consuming
such drinks, it can be tempting to drive home,
regardless
of how much alcohol has been
consumed. Unfortunately,
doing
so
when too
much alcohol
has been
consumed can be a costly
and
deadly mistake.
According
to the National Highway
Traffic
Safety Administration (NHTSA),
alcohol-related
motor
vehicle crashes
kill someone
every 30 minutes and
injures someone every two
minutes. In
2002, 17,419 people in
the US died in alcohol
related motor vehicle
crashes, which was 41% of
all traffic-related deaths. (NHTSA). One
hundred thirty
people died in 2002 on
Kansas
roads in alcohol-related crashes. (KDOT)
These statistics are frightening
considering
that most alcohol-related
crashes could
have been prevented
had the drinker not chosen to drive.
Plan ahead. Be
responsible.
Organize a designated
driver for you
and your friends,
or
be one yourself.
It is
much more
fun to have
a safe, enjoyable
evening with
a
sober driver
than it is to
spend the night
in jail or at
the hospital
after an alcohol-related
crash. Please
be responsible
and
help keep our
community safe.
Don’t Drink
and Drive.
Be
a Good Neighbor – Be
Careful of Noise
after 10 p.m.
Complaints
of loud
parties
in Hays
can be
numerous
and can
keep officers
busy. If
a neighbor
is having
a party
which seems
too loud
and is
keeping
you awake,
or another neighbor is revving
the engine
of his
vehicle
while he
is working
on it, there are laws in place
to handle
these disturbances.
Unreasonable
noise
is unlawful, according to city
ordinance,
if it causes
a reasonable
person “significant
annoyance and irritation.” Defined
as unreasonable is any electrically
amplified sound heard from
a distance of 25’ or
more, and occurring between
the hours of 10 p.m. and 7
a.m.. This amplified sound
(i.e. a loud stereo) can come
from
a building, such as a house
or shed, OR a motor vehicle.
Also
unlawful is a large party whose
crowd generates enough noise
to be heard from a distance
of 25’ or more from its
source, again between 10:00
PM and 7:00 AM. Complaints
of such activity are often
phoned in to the police department
and handled accordingly by
officers. Should an officer
arrive at a loud party
and verify that the noise is
unreasonable, the tenant or
person responsible could be
given a verbal or written warning.
In some instances, an arrest
is
made for creating a loud noise
disturbance. As much as we
all may enjoy listening to
great music (in your car or
at home), working on a vehicle,
or having a
party with friends, we must
be considerate to others. As
the time nears 10:00 PM we
ask everyone to be a thoughtful,
considerate member of the community
and be careful about how loud
you may be. Having consideration
for neighbors
and controlling noise helps
to keep away some unwanted
guests – officers
of the Hays Police Department.
Parking and Pedestrians
Pedestrians in the city of
Hays have a right to walk on
sidewalks clear of obstacles.
Our city ordinance protects
pedestrians by making it illegal
to
park vehicles blocking a sidewalk.
This applies even when the
vehicle is parked in a private
driveway. Also in violation
of the ordinance would be parking
a vehicle on a crosswalk or
in front of a public or private
driveway, within
15 feet of a fire hydrant,
or within 20 feet of a crosswalk
at an intersection. These laws
are in place to protect pedestrians
by allowing them the safety
of sidewalks instead of having
to walk in the street. Drivers
are also protected
by regulated parking so parked
vehicles are as little an inconvenience
as possible while parked on
a city street.
Parking left of center is also
a problem commonly observed
by officers in Hays. Left of
center means parking your vehicle
facing oncoming traffic, and
parking
on the left side of the roadway
designed for two-way traffic.
This creates a safety hazard
when a vehicle is both driving
left to park on the wrong side
of the road, and driving away
from that parking spot. The
driver is driving
into oncoming traffic. Both
driving left of center and
parking left of center are
offenses for which an officer
may issue a ticket. Laws regarding
left of
center driving and parking
are in place to keep everyone
safe, to maintain the normal
flow of traffic on two-way
streets, and to prevent accidents.
So
please remember, always drive
and park on the “right” side
of the road.
Proper Response to Emergency Lights and Siren
When traveling across Hays or down the highway, most drivers at some point
in their driving careers will have an emergency vehicle approach him or her
with lights flashing and en route to an emergency. Should a police officer
or other emergency vehicle suddenly appear in your rear-view mirror with
his or her emergency lights and siren activated, immediately pull over safely
to the right side of the roadway. Do not pull over to the left or continue
driving assuming the vehicle will pass you. Even if your destination is a
short distance and a left turn away, merge to the right, stop, and allow
the emergency vehicle to pass. This is also the case if an emergency vehicle
which has its lights and siren activated is approaching you from the opposite
direction. The proper procedure again is to pull over as far to the right
of the roadway as can be done safely, and stop. Failing to yield to emergency
vehicles places both the emergency responders and the public’s safety
in jeopardy, and can delay the arrival time of these responders to their
destination. Not yielding to an emergency vehicle is also an offense for
which a Hays Police Officer may cite a driver. The emergency responder is
traveling with lights and siren activated because there is an emergency that
warrants a response time quicker than that of driving with traffic.
Also encountered frequently is an officer who has made a traffic stop on the
side of the city street or highway, or another emergency vehicle parked on
the side of the road at an emergency situation. As we drive by, we need to
slow down when passing a stopped emergency vehicle and move as far away, as
safely possible, from that emergency vehicle. This protects the officers or
emergency responders from potential tragedy. Your understanding and cooperation
helps keep everybody safe.
Stay on Private Property with your Alcoholic Beverage
As we relax after a hard day at work or school and are
having a beer or alcoholic drink with friends (presuming
we are 21 years old or older) it is important to remember
to stay on private property. If you decide to go next door
or down the street, do not carry any open container with
alcohol onto the sidewalk or down the street. Doing so
is a violation of the law.
City ordinance defines public possession as having a full or partially full
open alcoholic beverage on any city street, alley, or sidewalk. It may be tempting
to move around from party to party with an open alcoholic drink. The better
choice is to finish your drink before you leave one area, or stay on private
property. Even if you are carrying an open bottle or container that you are
not drinking, this is a violation of the public possession ordinance.
In 2003, 59 people were issued citations for public possession
in the city of Hays. In 2002, 76 people were cited. The
public has a right to enjoy their
drinks, but the police department
also has an obligation to enforce the law. Remembering
to keep the open drinks on private property is a simple
way to
follow the law and not receive a citation.
Always Think Safety and Security
As much as we would all like to go back twenty years, when we could leave the
keys in the ignition of the car and never lock the doors of our home, times
have changed. As our community continues to grow and some people are not to
be trusted, it is important that we safeguard ourselves and our property. With
the new school year here, numerous college students have either moved to Hays
for the first time or returned for another year of classes. Safety needs to
be a priority both on and off campus. For those living in off campus housing,
using common sense can be key in not letting yourself become a victim.
An act as simple as locking your door at night can prevent an unwanted guest
from entering your home while you sleep. Leaving your porch lights on can prevent
a prowler from approaching your house. Locking your car and not to leaving
valuable items in your vehicle can prevent your stereo or personal items from
being stolen. Walk with a friend if you have to walk somewhere at night. Always
be aware of your surroundings and report suspicious activity to the Hays Police
Department. Trust your gut instinct that something or someone may not be right.
Although Hays is by no means a large city, crimes do happen here. Hays Police
have handled cases in which unlocked houses were entered while the tenants
were sleeping. Vehicles were burglarized and hundreds of dollars worth of items
stolen while the vehicles were left unlocked. More often than not a person
can protect themselves by simply thinking about their actions and using approaches
to help prevent being a victim. A porch light on and the flip of the lock on
cars and homes can go a long way towards keeping you and your property safe.
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