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NationalMonitor

March 23, 2015

Door to Door Sales

  • 4 Ways for Homeowners to Play it Safe
    3.16.15 – KATC Lafayette News – Especially pernicious: a thief posing as an expert in home alarm systems. “A homeowner can make a mistake and inadvertently invite a burglar into their home,” … More Info
  • State Fire Marshal Sends Alert Regarding Unauthorized Alarm Salesmen
    3.12.15 – Jackson, MS – Today, Commissioner of Insurance and State Fire Marshal Mike Chaney is sending out an alert that Mississippi residents need to be aware of unauthorized alarm salesmen operating in the state. More Info
  • Avoid getting scammed by door-to-door salesmen
    3.19.15 – ABC Action News – This month Florida’s attorney general announced settlements with two home alarm companies over misleading statements made by their door-to-door salesmen. More Info
  • BBB Warns of Spring Scams
    3.19.15 – MyStateline.com – Knowing this scam artist, who are often alarm company sales people, comb neighborhoods looking for signs posted in yards warning that the home has a … More Info

Public Safety Updates

  • AZ: City looks to crack down on false security alarms
    3.16.15 -Yuma Sun – The city of Yuma will attempt to get a handle on the costs incurred by police responding to false security system alarms with fines and the ability to suspend user … More Info
  • AZ: City to revise proposed false alarm law
    3.19.15 – Yuma Sun – Yuma City Council members sent a proposed update to the false alarm ordinance back for more rewriting Wednesday to eliminate the possibility of any fees … More Info
  • CT: Meriden City Council votes down residency requirement
    3.17.15 – Meriden Record-Journal – In a less contentious vote Monday, members of the City Council unanimously adopted a new alarm ordinance that won’t change the fees for police responses to … More Info
  • GA: Meeting to focus on false fire alarms at public housing highrises; 150 …
    3.21.15 – Northwest Georgia News – Rome and Northwest Georgia Housing Authority officials will meet later this month to discuss the frequent false alarm calls at the three senior highrise buildings, … More Info
  • MN: Jordan School Board takes action to remedy false alarms
    3.17.15 – SW News Media – Twenty-two false alarms activated at Jordan High School since Sept. 1 has lead the Jordan School Board to take action and implement an alarm procedures … More Info
  • NJ: River Edge council reviewing limit on operating hours of businesses
    3.16.15 -NorthJersey.com – Under this ordinance, if you have two employees, a burglar alarm, a security camera, anyone can stay open 24 hours. Is that good enough to protect the quality … More Info
  • TX: Sheriff Adrian Garcia: Tips, reminders to stay safe all year long
    3.21.15 – Your Houston News – Before heading out, remember to make sure your home alarm system is registered with the Harris County Sheriff’s Office. … More Info

Industry News

  • Google Plans ‘Smart Home’ with Security Ratings for Homes
    3.16.15  SIA – Google has been granted a patent for “Security Scoring in a Smart-Sensored Home.” More Info
  • Smoke Alarms Do Not Wake Up Children? Video Every Parent …
    3.16.15 – The Public Slate – mTechnology has come so far, but it has not touched the smoke alarm industry, and as shown in the video below, something needs to be done, as children are not … More Info
  • VIDEO: Security Alarm Company Locks Out Techs
    3.16.15 – Labor Notes – Home security company ADT has locked out employees in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, who are seeking their first union contract. The company’s “final offer” … More Info
  • Alarm.com and Suddenlink Announce Smart Home Partnership
    3.16.15 – Home Toys – Alarm.com, the leading technology platform powering the Smart Home, and Suddenlink, the seventh largest cable operator in the United States, announced … More Info
  • Mandatory 10-digit dialing is here for callers in the Ohio 740 area code
    3.16.15 – Jackson County Times-Journal – Some examples are life safety systems, fax machines, Internet dial-up numbers, alarm and security systems, gates, speed dialers, mobile phone contact lists, … More Info
  • Technician stole fire alarm equipment from condos across Broward …
    3.17.15 – Sun Sentinel – An alarm technician is in custody, accused of stealing fire alarm equipment from condominiums and selling the control panels that notify residents of an … More Info
  • Wearable devices: The next frontier in home security tech?
    3.16.15 – SIW – Alarm.com app takes center stage in Apple Watch launch… More Info
  • Security of smart home devices questioned
    3.16.15 – SIW -IT security expert says cyber criminals could inflict widespread damage by hacking into connected devices within… More Info
  • Symantec Study Finds Home Smart Devices Wide Open to Cyber-Attack
    3.17.15 – Eweek – In an analysis of 50 Internet of things devices, Symantec found numerous vulnerabilities in products, ranging from electronic locks to smart thermostats. More Info
  • Google Files Patent for Home ‘Security Score’ System
    3.19.15 – CEPro – Google has filed a patent called ‘Security Scoring in a Smart-Sensored Home’ that appears to focus on tying automated devices together in a residence along with regular security alerts. More Info
  • Experts Say Most Children Do Not Hear Smoke Alarms
    3.19.15 – EverythingLubbock.com – Recent studies show that most sleeping children do not react when they hear a smoke alarm. Local expert, Michael Shobe, said small children do not recognize … More Info
  • Latest Trends in Monitoring and Alarm Systems
    3.20.15 – CEPro – CE Pro takes a look at trends in central station monitoring and installed alarm systems, including causes of false alarms, residential intrusion alarm systems and monitoring services in the U.S. More Info

Legislative News

Bill Text Brief Description and Current Status
MELD00894Text An Act Relating to Automatic Contract Renewals
Status: 3/12/2015 : Committee on Labor, Commerce, Research and Economic Development suggested and ordered printed
History MELD00894Text
NYSB04323Text By GRIFFO | Amd S378, Exec L Enacts the school buildings carbon monoxide act requiring the building code to include standards for the installation of operable carbon monoxide detectors in every elementary and secondary school building within the state wherein the use of heating or other equipment poses a substantial risk of exposure to carbon monoxide.
Status: 03/13/2015 : REFERRED TO HOUSING, CONSTRUCTION AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
History NYSB04323Text

State & National News

  • OSHA Publishes Proposed Revision to Eye and Face Protection Standards
    3.16.15 – OHS – According to a press release, OSHA has published a proposed revision to its Eye and Face Protection Standards that updates personal protective equipment requirements … The proposed revisions would reflect current national consensus standards and ensure that employers use up-to-date eye and face protection during dangerous workplace operations. More Info
  • The Pros and Cons of March Madness in the Office
    3.18.15 – Baseline – Many U.S. managers feel March Madness has a positive impact on morale. The downside is that companies lose hundreds of millions of dollars due to the distractions caused by the games. More Info
  • What’s Missing in 313 Pages of Net Neutrality Rules?
    3.19.15 – Commercial Integrator – Having finally read the elusive Net Neutrality rules document, SoundReason.org’s Josh Srago pulls no punches in his latest column. More Info
  • The top 50 policy issues in the states according to reporters who cover them
    3.19.15 – The Washington Post – Of all the issues state legislatures are working through—unemployment, health care, education, incarceration — the budget was the one most frequently cited as the top priority, according to a new CQ Roll Call survey of 72 state and local reporters representing more than 60 print, television, radio and online publications. More Info
  • CO Detectors May Be Required in Some Kansas Homes
    3.22.15 – Firehouse.com – Carbon monoxide alarms look much like smoke detectors and cost about the same. They range in price from $15 to $20 for a cheap battery-powered unit, to $30 … More Info

Business Tips

  • Hire More Installers or Improve Daily Production?
    3.19.15 CEPro – Sometimes increasing the number of techs and installers isn’t the best solution for growing your business. Here are solutions for maximizing productivity with your existing employees. More Info
  • Networking that feels natural and leads to big ideas
    3.9.15 – Fast Company – In a new book, “Get Big Things Done: The Power of Connectional Intelligence,” authors Saj-nicole Joni and Erica Dhawn contend the best kind of connections come when you focus on what you’re best at and ask the right questions to find the missing link. More Info
  • Simple Tips to Help You Become a Better Leader
    2.19.15 – CIO Insight – As a leader, it’s important to contribute your input as decisions are being made, and it’s equally important to stick by those decisions. More Info
  • Workers Routinely Dodge Security Policies
    3.17.15 – CIO Insight – Employees routinely and knowingly violate their companies’ security policies just to get work done, putting their employers at risk for non-compliance. More Info
  • Four Steps to Becoming a Better Leader
    3.18.15 – CIO Insight – The former CEO of a multibillion dollar health care company shares his thoughts on values, ethics and having an impact on the next generation of leaders. More Info
  • How to Enhance Employee Performance and Engagement
    3.19.15 – Baseline – You should build your structures, processes and environments in a way that preferred employee behaviors are a natural outcome, not something that’s externally enforced. More Info
  • The Positive Impact of Being a Values-Based Leader
    3.18.15 – CIO Insight -Successful leaders who take a values-based approach to management understand how to catalyze change and how to drive results. More Info

Fire News

  • CA: Dusty Smoke Alarm Garners Impressive Response From Arcata Fire ...
    3.19.15 – Lost Coast Outpost – The first arriving officer was at the house in less than two minutes and reported no smoke showing but there was a smoke alarm sounding inside the residence. More Info
  • CA: Lights and Sirens 3/22/15
    3.21.15 – The UCSD Guardian Online – A subject pulled a fire alarm in the absence of a fire at the Sixth College Apartments. More Info
  • FL: Fire breaks out at Value Pawn in Tampa
    3.17.15 – WTSP 10 News – Tampa, FL – Tampa fire rescue responded to an automatic fire alarm at Value Pawn and Jewelry. Upon arrival firefighter saw heavy … More Info
  • FL: Man hospitalized, residents evacuated after kitchen fire at Chelsea …
    3.17.15 – WESH Orlando – Residents heard the fire alarm and called 911 to report smoke. One man suffered smoke inhalation and was taken to Florida Hospital-East. The fire was confined … More Info
  • FL: Thefts of fire alarm panels putting thousands at risk, fire officials warn
    3.19.15 – Sun Sentinel – Thieves have stolen more than 150 fire alarm control panels, rendering them inoperable and putting thousands of lives at risk at condo and apartment … More Info
  • GA: Rockdale County Fire-Rescue credits smoke alarm for alerting …
    3.17.15 – Rockdale Citizen – Conyers – A Rockdale County resident awoke to the sound of a smoke alarm and was able to alert her child and evacuated the home before it was engulfed … More Info
  • IN: Bathroom ceiling light catches fire at Green Tree
    3.18.15 – The Republic – The 10:48 p.m. fire alarm originated from a bathroom in a second-floor common area, according to a news release from the Columbus Fire Department. More Info
  • IN: Fire company on alert Saturday
    3.21.15 – Indiana Gazette – Companies 3 and 4 responded to an automatic fire alarm at 11:56 a.m. after someone burned food in the University Square Apartments … More Info
  • MN: Fire calls from the March 21, 2015 edition
    3.19.15 – SW News Media-Firefighters responded to a carbon monoxide alarm at 5:04 p.m. There were no ill effects; the false alarm was due to a bad … More Info
  • NH: Defective smoke detector triggers arena fire alarms, evacuation …
    3.22.15 – The Union Leader – The arena’s fire alarm was triggered at approximately 8:14 p.m., 7:46 into the game’s second period. The building was evacuated for 12 minutes before the … More Info
  • NM: Man escapes Santa Fe County fire with dog
    3.17.15 – Albuquerque Journal – Albuquerque, NM – A smoke alarm woke a Santa Fe County man early this morning to find the wall next a wood burning stove was on fire, the Santa Fe … More Info
  • ON: Family escapes Hickory Rd. house fire thanks to smoke alarm
    3.22.15 – CTV News – Upon arrival, crews located smoke coming from a bedroom on the second floor. Thanks to a working smoke alarm, the family managed to escape without harm. More Info
  • PA: Small fire at St. Luke’s facility in Easton quickly knocked down …
    3.18.15 – lehighvalleylive.com – Easton police and fire personnel speak with a woman who pulled the fire alarm Wednesday morning to alert authorities to smoke in the St. Luke’s Health Center … More Info
  • WA: Apartment Fire at Grand Hotel This Morning Injures One
    3.18.15 – KAPP – The Yakima Fire Department responded to a reported Automatic Fire Alarm at the Grand Hotel. The first two crews to arrive found heavy smoke from the exterior … More Info

Crime News

  • AK: Public Safety – March 18
    3.17.15 – Homer Tribune – False Alarm: An alarm company reported an activated alarm at a local business. An officer reported to the scene and confirmed that it was a false alarm. More Info
  • AR: Man uses vehicle as battering ram in grocery store burglary
    3.16.15 – THV 11 – Police were dispatched to the Jonesboro Supermarket on Saturday morning when the business’ alarm went off. An officer noticed damage and tire marks at the … More Info
  • CA: Commercial Burglar Hits Crestline
    3.19.15 -Alpenhorn News – Sheriff’s deputies were first notified by the alarm company of a motion activation alarm at the Lake Gregory Pharmacy around 3:20 a.m. According to the Sheriff’s … More Info
  • CA: Man robs City Heights jewelry store
    3.18.15 – fox5sandiego.com – An alarm was activated. After taking the rings, the suspect ran to a parking lot behind the store, jumped into a car and drove off. He was reportedly met by … More Info
  • CA: Police Blotter: Series of bicycle thefts reported in Palo Alto
    3.20.15 – San Jose Mercury News- … to police, someone stole property and cash from a church and a preschool. Video surveillance footage captured an elderly female triggered the church alarm… More Info
  • CA: Police search for suspect in north Redding
    3.20.15 – Redding Record Searchlight – The man eluded an officer in a foot chase about 10:40 p.m. after a burglary alarm sounded at Harrison’s Marine. More Info
  • CO: Was burglar a big football fan?
    3.20.15 – Pueblo Chieftain- Police were dispatched to Carlucci’s Inc. at about 2:30 a.m. regarding a burglary alarm, according to a police … More Info
  • CT: Police: Fairfield Burglars Take Off With $200K In Paintings, Gold, Silver
    3.17.15 – The Daily Voice – The neighbor also reported that an exterior alarm had repeatedly gone off in the middle of the night, according to police. Anyone with information on this incident … More Info
  • CT: Webster Bank Robbed in Bethany: State Police
    3.21.15 – NBC Connecticut – “All of a sudden the teller on the left… she told the bank manager to close the door and set off the alarm,” Patel said. “So, we’re all like what’s going on and then … More Info
  • GA: Burglars make off with furniture valued at $8000
    3.18.15 – Moultrie Observer – Police responded to an alarm at the Shell Station just before 3 a.m. Monday. The report said $300 worth of unidentified items were … More Info
  • GA: Police: woman stabbed NFL player, beat girlfriend with bat
    3.22.15 – fox4kc.com – Palmer got away before police and K-9 units arrived, but detectives say she returned to the house early Sunday morning, setting off the security alarm. More Info
  • GA: Sheriff’s Calls: Toilet-Papered House, Errant Bullet, Drug Arrests
    3.18.15 – Patch.com – Alarm – Walton County deputies responded to an alarm at a residence. Residence checked. Everything okay. Zone 2… More Info
  • IA: Des Moines Gun Shop Burglarized
    3.16.15 – whotv.com – Police were called to Jack Smith’s Gun Sales just after 4:00 a.m. on a commercial alarm. Police say the burglar entered the business … More Info
  • ID: Armed man robs Post Falls Check ‘n Go
    3.19.15 -KREM.com – At approximately 6:00 p.m. Post Falls Police Department responded to a silent alarm hold up at the Check ‘n Go… More Info
  • ID: Search for bank robber continues
    3.17.15 – Bonner County Daily Bee – But the would-be bank robber fled — without any cash — when he saw an employee activate a silent alarm. Hutter said the investigation was “getting closer,” … More Info
  • IL: Police Blotter: $15000 lift stolen on Milwaukee Avenue
    3.16.15 – Chicago Tribune – An undetermined sum of jewelry was reported stolen March 7 from a business when police responded to an alarm. The rear … More Info
  • LA: Would-be robber flees when Edgard store clerk presses alarm
    3.19.15 – NOLA.com – A Paradis man tried to rob an Edgard gasoline station but fled the store empty-handed when the clerk pressed the alarm button, the St. John the Baptist Parish … More Info
  • MD: Attempted burglary and other crimes
    3.19.15 -Bay Net – Attempted Burglary: On March 16 at 9:38 p.m., officers responded to a residence for an intrusion alarm. More Info
  • MD: Two Teens Charged in Attempted Burglary of Leonardtown Burch Mart
    3.17.15 – Southern Maryland News Net – The suspects then struck the door with a blunt object which activated the businesses alarm. The second suspect was located at his residence a short time later. More Info
  • MI: Break-in in Flowerfield Township
    3.18.15 – WLKM Radio – A neighbor reported hearing the house alarm going off and seeing a male suspect … The alarm was triggered as a result of the suspect prying open a window. More Info
  • MI: Teen steals wallet at store and other Taylor police reports
    3.22.15 – Southgate News Herald – Police responded to an alarm at 6 a.m. March 15 at the T-Mobile store and found the front door shattered. Police asked store managers … More Info
  • MN: Meeker County Sheriff’s Office report
    3.19.15 -Crow River Media – On the 18th at 1:49 p.m. the Sheriff’s Office received a report of an alarm at the Milner Heritage Winery, Kingston Township. The deputies were canceled prior to … More Info
  • MN: Police report: shooting at coyotes, waiting for a valentine, hiding a …
    3.18.15 – Woodbury Bulletin – On Feb. 14, 1n alarm-monitoring company alerted police to a hold-up alarm going off at a pharmacy and urgent care clinic in Woodbury. Police arrived to find … More Info
  • MO: Burglary charges filed against teen who pulled high school fire alarm
    3.17.15 – Branson Tri-Lakes news – At 7:22 a.m., Gray pulled the fire alarm, causing the building to be evacuated, the document states. According to the school website, the high school’s first class … More Info
  • MS: Gulfport man arrested for breaking into business – again
    3.16.15 – SunHerald.com – Gulfport police responded to an alarm around 2:25 a.m. at Coast Cycle World. Officers saw Ivey trying to flee through the fence of the business, … More Info
  • MT: Paris Gibson Square museum burglarized over weekend
    3.17.15 – Great Falls Tribune – An alarm was sounded late on Saturday, bringing a museum staff member and Great Falls police to the scene. After a walk-through of the building that revealed … More Info
  • NC: $350K in jewelry stolen from Piper Glen home
    3.19.15 -WCNC – Police say the victims made the mistake of not turning their alarm and camera system on because they were only going out for an hour. Officers say it doesn’t … More Info
  • NC: Burglar breaks through Hobby Lobby roof, steals $13K
    3.18.15 – Independent Tribune – The break-in happened sometime between midnight Sunday and 7:45 a.m. Monday, and the alarm didn’t trigger, police say. Hobby Lobby, one of the nation’s … More Info
  • NC: Man Previously Convicted of B&E at Country Club Breaks In Again
    3.17.15 – WHKY – Events leading to his arrest began just before 2 a.m. last Monday, March 9, when Deputies responded to a burglar alarm at the Mallard Head Country Club on … More Info
  • NC: Mid-morning jewel heist
    3.22.15 – Hickory Daily Record – Cline ran up, triggered the alarm and the suspect left in a big hurry. The most distinctive features are the suspect’s helmet and motorcycle. “He had a distinctive … More Info
  • NC: Mooresville man charged in country club break-in, again
    3.17.15 – Statesville Record & Landmark – On March 9, deputies responded to a burglar alarm at the country club on Mallard Way, Mooresville, and found a window had been pried open, Campbell said. More Info
  • NJ: Bloomfield Crime: Burglary, Thefts, and Several Arrests
    3.18.15 – Baristanet – One of the suspects entered the building while the other waited outside as a lookout. The suspect who entered ripped the alarm panel off of the wall and stole an … More Info
  • NM: Police Blotter—March 12-15
    3.18.15 – Quay County Sun – 12:51 p.m., an alarm was reported at a residence. An officer advised they spoke with the owner and all was OK. More Info
  • OH: Man behind wheel is on cell phone: Medina Police Blotter
    3.17.15 – cleveland.com – Alarm, Cedarwood Lane: Police investigated an alarm at a home at 5:33 p.m. March 14. The residence was secure. … More Info
  • OH: Police Report
    3.20.15 – Circleville Herald- Male in question entered into protection order and then arrested for possession of marijuana. Report taken and arrest made. Alarm activation at Eye Specialists. More Info
  • OH: Suspect identified in New Holland bank robbery
    3.20.15 – Circleville Herald- According to a release from the Pickaway County Sheriff’s Office, dispatch received an alarm from the Milton Bank, on January 21 … More Info
  • OR: PD: Prineville jewelry store burglar attacks officer with hammer
    3.22.15 – KTVZ – Around 3:45 a.m., Sgt. Jimmy O’Daniel responded to a dispatched call of an alarm at Terry’s Jewelry on Third Street, said Sgt. Larry Seymour. When he arrived … More Info
  • OR: Police Log
    3.19.15 – Pamplin Media Group – 3/10/15 12:14 p.m. A woman called police to report that her alarm system was going off, the TV was on downstairs, and her husband and kids were nowhere to … More Info
  • OR: Prineville police: jewelry store burglary suspect bit and attacked …
    3.22.15 -Greenfield Daily Reporter – KTVZ-TV reports that when Sgt. Jimmy O’Daniel responded to a dispatch call of an alarm early on Saturday, he found the store’s front … More Info
  • PA: 1 arrested, 1 wanted in connection with armed robbery at pawn shop
    3.18.15 – WPXI Pittsburgh – … crime at his store in the two years it’s been open. He said the shop has an alarm system and he will continue to be vigilant of anything suspicious in the area. More Info
  • SC: 2 men sought in York County smash-and-grab spree
    3.20.15 – The Herald- While an alarm at the jewelry store alerted police to the break-in immediately, the burglary at Culina wasn’t discovered until the next day when Vasquez arrived … More Info
  • SC: BRIEF: Thieves smash into Rock Hill restaurant, steal safe
    3.20.15 – The State – While an alarm at the jewelers alerted police to the break-in immediately, the burglary at Culina wasn’t discovered until the next day when the owner arrived to … More Info
  • SC: Police probing check forgeries
    3.20.15 – The Tand D.com – The manager said when the 18-year-old suspect exited the store, the anti-theft alarm went off. The manager followed her outside and after being confronted, the … More Info
  • TN: Medina police searching for serial burglars
    3.17.15 – WBBJ-TV – He could be seen trying to jimmy the door of Home Town Pharmacy, but before he could get inside an alarm went off. “It was foggy Sunday morning,” Grooms … More Info
  • TX: Clovis man arrested, charged in gun thefts, arson
    3.16.15 -KCBD-TV – On Sunday, March 15, 2015, at approximately 3:29 am, the Clovis Police Department Dispatch Center received a Burglar Alarm Activation call indicating … More Info
  • TX: Suspect leaves bloody trail after burglary
    3.17.15 – KSAT San Antonio – SAPD officers responded to a burglary alarm around 3:30 a.m. at the O’Reilly’s and found a busted window and door. More Info
  • VT: SB police seek help in burglary
    3.17.15 – BurlingtonFreePress.com – Police responded to the jewelry store for the report of an alarm, according to a news release posted on Facebook. Police said that they … More Info
  • WA: Sheriff’s Report, March 19, 2015
    3.19.15 -The Wahkiakum County Eagle – March 15 — 6:01 a.m. An alarm was activated at a Puget Island business and the owner was contacted. 9:01 a.m. Deputies responded to a single vehicle … More Info
  • WV: Two Arrested in String of Huntington Robberies
    3.19.15 -WSAZ-TV – … 31, of Huntington, is charged with 1st degree robbery and possession of a controlled substance. Police say they were alerted to the robbery by a panic alarm. More Info
  • WY: Two men arrested in business robberies
    3.20.15 – Huntington Herald Dispatch- The Speedway report states officers received word of a panic alarm at the convenience store at 2:02 a.m. Thursday. The clerk further reported a man, dressed in … More Info

The National Monitor is a service of the National Electronic Security Alliance (NESA). Member states are free to reproduce the information contained herein in print or electronic media as they see fit. Contact NESA for more information at 301.519.9237 or bradshipp@4yoursolution.com

NESA is a federation of state associations established to serve and promote the electronic systems industry at the direction of, and through its affiliated state associations. Five state associations are part of NESA – Texas Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (TBFAA), Maryland Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (MDBFAA), Kansas Electronic Security Association (KESA), Arkansas Security Alarm Association (ASAA) and Oklahoma Burglar & Fire Alarm Association (OKBFAA). For more info visit www.nesaus.org.

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