Crime Time Inc

Crime Time Inc

Crime Time Inc. brings real investigative experience to true crime storytelling. Hosted by former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean, the podcast blends authentic policing insight with gripping, long-form narratives. Tom brings decades of investigative leadership from some of Scotland’s most complex cases, while Simon draws on his background in the murder squad and undercover work. Together, they combine sharp analysis, wit, and classic East–West Scottish banter. Every week, Crime Time Inc. delivers: • Deep-dive Scottish and UK policing episodes, where Tom and Simon break down real investigations, procedure, decision-making, and lessons learned from inside the job. • Immersive long-form true crime documentary series, exploring major cases like Charles Manson and the Zodiac Killer, followed by exclusive detective commentary you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re here for the insider knowledge or the cinematic storytelling, Crime Time Inc. brings you true crime with the experience and perspective of people who have genuinely lived it. Both Simon and Tom are regular contributors to the American True Crime Podcast, Small Town Dicks hosted by Yardley Smith. Real cases. Real detectives. Real talk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

  1. Was Ross Sullivan the Zodiac Killer? The Riverside Connection Explained

    3 DAYS AGO

    Was Ross Sullivan the Zodiac Killer? The Riverside Connection Explained

    Ross Sullivan remains one of the most debated and mysterious suspects in the Zodiac Killer case. In this episode, we explore the evidence linking Sullivan to both the infamous Zodiac murders and the earlier 1966 killing of Cheri Jo Bates at Riverside City College. Sullivan, a library assistant at RCC, was present on campus at the time of Bates’ murder and later drew suspicion from co-workers who described him as unsettling and potentially dangerous. His sudden disappearance following the killing, combined with a change in appearance, raised further questions. We break down the key elements of the case: The Cheri Jo Bates murder and its possible connection to ZodiacWitness accounts and co-worker suspicionsThe disturbing “desktop poem” and its alleged link to Zodiac writingsSullivan’s interest in cryptography and handwriting disguisePhysical similarities to the Zodiac composite sketchThe controversial Mikado connectionConflicting alibi claims and institutionalisation recordsBut the case against Sullivan is far from airtight. We also examine the major weaknesses: A significant height discrepancy with eyewitness descriptionsFingerprints that reportedly did not match crime scene evidenceClaims of hospitalisation during key Zodiac attacksThe lack of formal investigation by law enforcementExpert Review: Simon & Tom Analyse the Evidence Former investigators Simon and Tom provide a critical breakdown of the Sullivan theory, questioning whether modern researchers may now have a broader view of the case than original investigators ever did.They raise important questions about Sullivan’s mental health history, including what may have triggered his diagnoses and whether this is relevant to assessing his potential for violence.The discussion challenges a common assumption: that Sullivan’s cremation prevents DNA analysis. Tom explains how familial DNA could still be used to eliminate or potentially link him through relatives.However, both experts stress a key limitation—existing Zodiac DNA samples may not be reliable enough for definitive identification, meaning DNA may be more useful for elimination than confirmation.They also highlight the importance of forensic integrity, noting that any evidence must have a clear chain of custody to stand up in court.The height discrepancy is debated, with Simon viewing it as a major issue, while Tom argues eyewitness estimates—especially at night—are often unreliable.Crucially, Tom warns against “linking assumptions”—building a case on the idea that Bates is a Zodiac victim, then linking Sullivan to Bates, which compounds uncertainty.Both agree that much of the suspicion around Sullivan originates from co-workers rather than law enforcement, raising questions about how seriously he was ever investigated.The conclusion: Sullivan is an intriguing suspect with some compelling overlaps—but the case remains circumstantial and far from proven.With no confirmed DNA and conflicting evidence, the question remains open: was Ross Sullivan a viable suspect overlooked by police—or another compelling but ultimately flawed theory? In the next episode, we turn to another major Zodiac suspect: Lawrence Kane. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    24 min
  2. How the Soham Murders Transformed UK Police Protocols

    6 DAYS AGO

    How the Soham Murders Transformed UK Police Protocols

    Old Firm Disorder, Glasgow Fire, and Lessons from Huntley: Policing, Enforcement, and True Crime Insights In a wide-ranging chat, Simon and former senior Scottish police officer Tom Wood discuss Tom’s new book-editing process and then focus on recent disorder around the Rangers–Celtic Old Firm match, arguing sectarian hatred still simmers and questioning reduced police presence, reliance on stewards, and proposals to reintroduce alcohol at stadiums. They link football violence, gate-crashing, and disguised fans to broader issues of enforcement, funding cuts, and lost “organisational memory.” The conversation shifts to a major Glasgow city-centre fire at an iconic corner, suggesting existing regulations are adequate but under-enforced due to hollowed-out local authorities and reduced inspection capacity, with concern about vape shops and illicit activity. They reflect on the Soham murders by Ian Huntley and the Bichard Inquiry’s lessons on intelligence-sharing failures, compare offender secrecy to Angus Sinclair, note a new near-miss account related to Robert Black, and briefly preview London’s policing challenge after banning the Al Quds march. 00:00 Book Editing Grind 00:44 Old Firm Violence Returns 01:45 Policing vs Stewarding 03:59 Alcohol Ban Debate 07:52 Sectarianism and Rivalry 11:49 Away Fans and Hooliganism 14:51 Pickpockets at Matches 16:46 Glasgow Fire and Neglect 20:36 Vape Shops and Drug Parallels 23:30 Smoking Ban Lessons 23:49 Smoking Ban Success 24:52 Vape Shop Fire Questions 25:16 Enforcement Over New Laws 26:34 Policing Vape Shops 27:24 Pawn Shops and Beat Cops 28:09 Madam Doubtfire Origins 29:08 Glasgow Fair and Pawnbroking 30:44 Soham Murders Lessons 32:59 Killers Keeping Secrets 36:27 Near Misses and Intel Logs 40:10 Patterns in Minor Incidents 41:37 Covering for Offenders 42:29 Banning Marches in London 46:42 Rugby and Sign Off About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    47 min
  3. Zodiac Killer Suspect Arthur Leigh Allen: The Evidence, the Doubts & the Unanswered Questions | Episode 10

    12 MAR

    Zodiac Killer Suspect Arthur Leigh Allen: The Evidence, the Doubts & the Unanswered Questions | Episode 10

    In this episode, we review the case made against Arthur Leigh Allen, the man long considered by many to be the leading suspect in the Zodiac Killer investigation. Tom and Simon break down the strongest points pointing toward Allen, including his proximity to key crime scenes, his familiarity with coded messages, witness identification, shoe size, violent behaviour, and the disturbing testimony that he taught children how to create and decipher codes. But this episode also focuses on the evidence that muddies the picture. The discussion explores the disputed fingerprint and palm print evidence, the limits of the handwriting analysis, the problems with partial DNA from the Zodiac letters, and how easily investigators can become locked onto one suspect while dismissing contradictions. The conversation also looks at Allen’s background in the US Navy, his psychiatric history, his conviction for offences against a child, and the importance of building a proper timeline around his movements, incarceration, communications, and behaviour. Tom raises key investigative questions: What exactly was Allen treated for psychiatrically, and when?What did he actually do during his Navy service?Why were some potentially incriminating items found, but no firearms, ammunition, or clear cryptographic material?Was too much weight placed on forensic evidence that may have been contaminated, incomplete, or misunderstood?The episode also examines the role of Don Cheney, asking whether he should have been treated more seriously as a suspect or at least as a critical line of inquiry. This is a detailed look at how cold case reviews should be approached: start at the beginning, separate fact from theory, revisit early witness statements, and resist the temptation to force the evidence to fit the favourite suspect. If you are fascinated by the Zodiac case, suspect profiling, forensic ambiguity, and the psychology of major investigations, this is an essential listen. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    38 min
  4. Arthur Leigh Allen: The Zodiac Killer’s Prime Suspect? | Episode 9

    11 MAR

    Arthur Leigh Allen: The Zodiac Killer’s Prime Suspect? | Episode 9

    Episode 9 of The Zodiac Killer series focuses entirely on Arthur Leigh Allen — the man law enforcement pursued for decades and the only suspect ever publicly named in the case. From Donald Cheney’s explosive 1971 account to Michael Mageau’s later identification, Allen’s case is packed with disturbing coincidences, alleged admissions, and behavior investigators found impossible to ignore. We break down the full timeline: Allen’s background in Vallejo, his reported pre-crime statements, the Zodiac Sea Wolf watch, the Lake Berryessa alibi, the search warrants, the pipe bombs, and the claims made in Netflix’s 2024 documentary This Is the Zodiac Speaking. But this episode also examines the other side of the case: the fingerprints that did not match, the handwriting experts who excluded him, the partial DNA that failed to connect him, and why he was never charged. Was Arthur Leigh Allen the Zodiac Killer — or the most compelling wrong suspect in true crime history? 00:00 Prime Suspect Setup 01:43 Allen Early Life 04:24 Grievances And Red Flags 05:54 Cheney Bombshell Tip 07:00 Lovers Lane Details 11:54 Credibility And DNA Wrinkle 15:10 First Police Interview 16:26 Watch Alibi And Knives 19:33 Handwriting Excludes Allen 20:43 Search Warrant And Arrest 22:51 Spinelli Names Allen 25:27 1991 Search And Bombs 27:48 Blue Rock Springs Revisited 28:58 Mageau Photo Lineup 30:55 Voice Witness Limits 32:28 Allen Dies and Search 33:14 DNA and Handwriting Tests 35:52 Forensic Caveats Explained 37:01 Netflix Seawater Claims 40:49 Beach and Riverside Trips 44:35 Confession Accounts Weighed 46:19 Case For and Against 53:20 Why Allen Endures 56:53 Final Question and Next About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    1 hr
  5. Why Drug Laws Aren't Working — A Former Detective's Take

    8 MAR

    Why Drug Laws Aren't Working — A Former Detective's Take

    Knife Crime Rumours, Sub Judice Rules, and Scotland’s Violence Reduction Success Simon and Tom discuss a daylight knife incident in Edinburgh’s Calders that sparked widespread online misinformation, prompting Police Scotland to issue rare clarifications while constrained by sub judice rules; Tom explains how the Contempt of Court Act and Lord Advocate’s guidelines limit pretrial commentary to protect fair trials. They compare “perp walk” publicity with Scottish practice, including WWII-era German spy arrests in Scotland where press photos prevented the suspects being turned into double agents and led to executions. The conversation turns to emergency-service responses to knife incidents and the balance between waiting for specialist support and the duty to protect life. They cover Ian Huntley’s prison assault and how the Holly Wells and Jessica Chapman murders exposed failures in intelligence-sharing about dangerous offenders. Tom highlights the Violence Reduction Unit’s 20-year impact, noting murders fell from 137 in 2005 to 47, and argues its public-health approach could inform drug policy amid rising lethal synthetics. They also touch on citizen’s arrest/self-defence, skepticism about “international law,” and football-related disorder. 00:00 Cold Open Banter 00:16 Edinburgh Knife Incident 01:36 Misinformation And Police Response 02:58 Sub Judice Explained 05:14 Perp Walk And Spy Photos 09:07 Emergency Services And Risk 14:53 Ian Huntley Case Lessons 18:42 Violence Reduction Unit Success 23:22 Drug Laws And Public Health 26:26 Root Causes Not Choices 26:42 Football As Diversion 29:03 Community Clubs Origins 30:14 Boxing And Discipline 33:37 PR Spin And Distractions 35:39 VRU Principles And Praise 37:44 Vigilantes And Self Defence 40:20 International Law Skepticism 46:19 Peaky Blinders And Gang Lore 49:00 Old Firm Songs And Policing 51:48 Wrap Up And Next Topics Episodes referred to in this show. Sheila Anderson Season 1 Episodes 27/28 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-point-part-1 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/sheila-anderson-unsolved-leith-s-heroin-turning-point The Expendables (The Beautiful Spy) Season 1 Episodes 25/26 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-1 https://crimetimeinc.com/episodes/the-expendables-2 About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    52 min
  6. Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows

    5 MAR

    Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows

    🎙 Crime Time Inc. – Jane Hamilton Book LaunchPeter Tobin: Hunting Shadows | The Scottish Serial Killer CaseIn this special episode of Crime Time Inc., Tom sits down with investigative journalist Jane Hamilton for the first in-depth discussion of her new book: Peter Tobin: Hunting Shadows This episode explores the crimes of Peter Tobin, one of Scotland’s most notorious serial killers, and the long investigation that linked him to the murders of: Vicki Hamilton (15)Dinah McNicol (18)Angelika Kluk (23)Rather than glorifying the killer, Jane’s book focuses on the lives of the young women he murdered — and the investigative journey that uncovered the truth. 📚 About the Book – Peter Tobin: Hunting ShadowsPublisher: Mirror BooksRelease Date: 26 FebruaryWritten in memory of Vicki Hamilton, Dinah McNicol and Angelika KlukA journalist’s perspective on one of Scotland’s darkest criminal investigationsJane was present from the earliest days of the Angelika Kluk investigation in Glasgow, when her body was discovered beneath the floorboards of St Patrick’s Church in 2006. That murder ultimately exposed Peter Tobin’s hidden past and led to the reopening of earlier missing persons cases. 🔎 The Peter Tobin Case: A Timeline1991 – Vicki Hamilton disappears in Bathgate on a freezing February night1991 – Dinah McNicol vanishes after hitchhiking from a music festival2006 – Angelika Kluk murdered in GlasgowPost-2006 – Operation Anagram links Tobin to earlier murdersTom reflects on his own policing experience during the Vicki Hamilton investigation and explains why Tobin was one of the hardest serial killers in Scotland to catch — frequently changing addresses, aliases and identities. 🎧 What This Episode ExploresThe psychology of an opportunistic serial killerHow Peter Tobin evaded detection for yearsThe role of Operation Anagram in linking cold casesGrooming, vulnerability and offender behaviour patternsThe differences between police investigations and investigative journalismThe decline of long-form crime reporting in modern mediaJane also shares how she tracked down Tobin’s former wives and pursued leads internationally to build a fuller picture of the man behind the crimes. 📰 Investigative Journalism vs Police InvestigationThis episode offers rare insight into: How journalists build trust without legal powersThe ethical challenges of reporting on serial murderTelling victims’ stories without sensationalismWhy historical true crime still resonates today 🎙 Why This Episode MattersThe Peter Tobin case remains one of the most significant serial killer investigations in Scottish criminal history. This conversation highlights: The human cost behind the headlinesThe long shadow cast by unresolved missing persons casesThe importance of persistence in both policing and journalism🔔 Listen If You’re Interested In:Scottish serial killer casesPeter Tobin and Operation AnagramCold case investigationsTrue crime podcast discussionsInvestigative journalism About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    27 min
  7. The Zodiac Killer Investigation: Why He Was Never Caught

    4 MAR

    The Zodiac Killer Investigation: Why He Was Never Caught

    The Zodiac Killer Investigation: Why He Was Never Caught Fingerprints, ciphers, and the multi-agency manhunt that led nowhere By the end of 1970, the Zodiac had murdered across four California jurisdictions, mailed taunting letters and cryptic ciphers to newspapers, and walked away without ever being identified. In this episode, we examine the investigation itself — the coordination between Solano County, Vallejo, Napa County, and San Francisco; the role of the California Department of Justice; and the mountain of evidence that ultimately led nowhere. We explore the key forensic pillars of the case: the latent fingerprints recovered from Paul Stine’s taxi, the handwriting analysis linking confirmed Zodiac letters, the physical evidence from multiple crime scenes, and the disputed connection to the 1966 murder of Cheri Jo Bates. Despite thousands of tips, hundreds of suspects, and decades of review, no match was ever made. Why did the investigation fail? And was the Zodiac simply clever — or just lucky? Next episode: the suspects. About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    57 min
  8. Princess Diana and the Anatomy of Close Protection: When Security Works — and When It Fails

    1 MAR

    Princess Diana and the Anatomy of Close Protection: When Security Works — and When It Fails

    Princess Diana’s decision to dismiss her official protection officers changed everything. John Lennon walked out of the Dakota without security — and paid the ultimate price. In this episode of Crime Time Inc., Tom and Simon go inside the rarely-seen world of close protection — the meticulous planning, quiet threat assessments, and fragile trust that stand between public figures and catastrophe. This is not Hollywood bodyguard mythology. It’s the real machinery of prevention. Drawing on decades of operational experience, we explore how personal protection officers (PPOs) are selected, how risk is assessed, and why security is judged only on the rare occasions it fails — not the thousands of times it works perfectly. In this episode:Why cartel “decapitations” rarely change the drug tradeHow VIP protection is actually allocated in the UKThe role of trust between principal and protection teamPrincess Diana, Martin Bashir, and the collapse of protective trustJohn Lennon’s assassination — and what close protection would likely have identifiedFixated individuals, mental health policy changes, and escalating riskRoyal logistics: route planning, venue reconnaissance, and layered securityThe Nottingham killings and the hard questions about management and containmentCharles Bronson and the parole dilemma: how do you assess “safe to release”?Recidivism, early release, and the consequences of under-resourced aftercareThe Lord Advocate explained — and why Scotland’s dual-role system is under strainKey takeawayClose protection is mostly invisible. It’s preparation, prevention, and discretion. When it succeeds, nobody notices. When it fails, history remembers. Follow Crime Time Inc. on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all major platforms for insider analysis of the systems that shape crime, punishment, and public safety. You can buy the books mentioned in the podcast's by clicking the links below Tom's Best Selling Book: Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Paperback Edition Ruxton: The First Modern Murder Kindle Edition Simon's Best Selling Book: The Ten Percent Paperback Edition The Ten Percent Kindle Edition Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey About Crime Time Inc. Season 5 of Crime Time Inc. broadens its reach across two sides of the Atlantic. This season features cases from Scotland and across the wider UK — rooted in real investigative experience — alongside deep dives into some of the most infamous murder cases in American history. Hosted by former detectives Simon and Tom, with experience in both the UK and the United States, including time working alongside the FBI, the show strips away sensationalism to explain how crime and justice really work. Two crime worlds. One podcast. New episodes released regularly throughout the season. Our Website: https://crimetimeinc.com/ If you like this show please leave a review. It really helps us. Please help us improve our Podcast by completing this survey. http://bit.ly/crimetimeinc-survey Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

    48 min
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About

Crime Time Inc. brings real investigative experience to true crime storytelling. Hosted by former detectives Tom Wood and Simon McLean, the podcast blends authentic policing insight with gripping, long-form narratives. Tom brings decades of investigative leadership from some of Scotland’s most complex cases, while Simon draws on his background in the murder squad and undercover work. Together, they combine sharp analysis, wit, and classic East–West Scottish banter. Every week, Crime Time Inc. delivers: • Deep-dive Scottish and UK policing episodes, where Tom and Simon break down real investigations, procedure, decision-making, and lessons learned from inside the job. • Immersive long-form true crime documentary series, exploring major cases like Charles Manson and the Zodiac Killer, followed by exclusive detective commentary you won’t hear anywhere else. Whether you’re here for the insider knowledge or the cinematic storytelling, Crime Time Inc. brings you true crime with the experience and perspective of people who have genuinely lived it. Both Simon and Tom are regular contributors to the American True Crime Podcast, Small Town Dicks hosted by Yardley Smith. Real cases. Real detectives. Real talk. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Crime Time Inc
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    275
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Crime Time Inc
  • Show Website
    Crime Time Inc

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