See Police Publication Strategy that this press report is taken from on Joana Morais blog:
http://joana-morais.blogspot.com/2010/01/madeleine-police-files-under-wraps.htmlDozens of papers are now leading with this story from the Press Association, that must be very embarrasing for Kate and Gerry. But I am relieved to hear they intend to bring those "behind her disappearance" to Justice!
Madeleine police files under wraps
Thousands of British police files detailing the hunt for Madeleine McCann will not be released unless those behind her disappearance are brought to justice. Skip related content
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Senior Leicestershire Police officers have remained tight-lipped about their role co-ordinating the search for the toddler since she vanished from a Portuguese holiday resort in May 2007.
But analysts at the force have drawn up a list detailing the mass of information they have gathered and considered whether they would ever release any of it to the general public.
The paperwork includes everything from correspondence with Government ministers, minutes of police meetings, details of leads and sightings to copies of letters from the McCann family.
Leicestershire Police said they will not release any information while the inquiry is ongoing and will never reveal the tactics of their investigation. But internal documents suggest some papers may eventually be published.
They stated: "Anything in relation to the investigation into the disappearance of Madeleine McCann will not be released whilst it remains ongoing.
"Consideration may be given to releasing certain material, ie, that which would not reveal police tactics, when the circumstances surrounding Madeleine's disappearance are fully known and the person/people involved have been brought to justice and a suitable period for any appeal has elapsed."
Madeleine, from Rothley, Leicestershire, disappeared on May 3 2007 from Praia da Luz, nine days before her fourth birthday.
An investigation into her disappearance was carried out by the Portuguese police, supported by Leicestershire Police.
The force is responsible for co-ordinating British inquiries under the codename Operation Task.
27 comments:
Well, no, hang on a minute, the Daily Express are carrying BOTH VERSIONS WTF?
One that has been Mitchelled and one that hasn't, what a larf!
The original and correct version:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/149445/Madeleine-police-files-under-wraps
and then the Mitchelled version:
http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/149556/Police-keep-Madeleine-McCann-files-secret
I can see that the Mitchelled version comes second, did he say to the DX, now look here, print this or we bloody sue you again or what, lol!.
Methinks the McCanns must need nappies now!
The information, if I understand correctly, is leaked by an unknown source. The leak could well be an intentional ploy by the LP to justify not releasing information to Amaral in defence of his forthcoming court case. Releasing details of LP’s rational could highlight major flaws in their investigation or even p**s poor action by them.
The crime happened in Portugal, Leicestershire have no jurisdiction to investigate unless the McCanns file a missing persons report in this country, which so far they have failed to do. We are told, however, the case is ongoing which suggests it is being investigated. But investigated by who? It’s shelved by the pj and the LP has no jurisdiction!
The PJ did not publish all of the paper and neither did the LP. I would like to think the LP, will not release their information because they believe the mystery of Madeleine’s disappearance lies within the family and need to keep it under wraps. It would be nice to think all this cosying up by them to the McCanns is bluff to get closer to the truth. But is it? Recently GM after giving a speech was given a standing ovation by them hmm…
It is interesting to note that one of the liaison officers, belonging to Scotland Yard is allegedly a witness for Amaral’s defence in the Civil Court, Lisbon, in a couple of weeks. The next few weeks will be interesting with all involved parties carefully watching their backs.
Morning Viv,
I’ve just read the Express article. It would appear the bulk of the information comes from the Press Association article and someone down at the Express has given the Pink One a ring for a quote – which has been added.
The Express say, “Their paperwork includes correspondence with ministers, details of leads and sightings as well as copies of letters from the McCann family.”
It’s not only the McCanns who will need nappies Viv – LOL!
Hiya Wiz
I do not know how Joana Morais has got the police policy document outlining their position on disclosure but I very much doubt anyone within the police would dare to just leak it. I believe it must have been officially put forward.
I have to disagree with you when you say UK Police do not have jurisdiction. If the McCanns committed a serious crime against Madeleine including homicide or sex offending or indeed any other UK subjects they most certainly do have jurisdiction. They very clearly state they intend to bring the perpetrators to justice!
They are clearly quoting from our own British system of prosecuting offenders in that until such time as there has been a prosecution and the opportunity given to the defendants to pursue an appeal there can be no disclosure of information the police hold. This is because it would damage their right to a fair trial and potentially render any conviction unsafe and liable to be overturned over by our own courts or ultimately the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg.
I can see nothing wrong with the police file containing correspondence with Ministers given this crime happened abroad there was obviously correspondence with the Foreign Office and the Home Office liaising with Portugal. I would also expect the police to have correspondence on file, indeed pretty extensive correspondence, from the McCanns and their lawyers. Similarly, the Police are going to keep details of all "sightings", it would perverse to suggest they would bin these ! Particularly given they in themselves may be evidence against the McCanns.
To be honest with you Wiz, I am completely disheartened that even when people receive the clearest confirmation there could be that British offenders involved in this case are being investigated by British Police, people still seek to deny it and suggest the McCanns are being protected and there is some high level conspiracy.
I think it is high time people remembered, this is not the Kate and Gerry show and neither is it the Goncalo Amaral Show, this is about a missing little girl and the hope she will be found and get justice. I fail to see how people who just want to suggest there are dozens of people in very high office in UK just seeking to deny her that will bring about justice. To me it sounds more like a ocnspiracy to con people into thinking only Goncalo Amaral could achieve this which is frankly just pure rubbish.
Of all the blogs there are now, other than this one, there is just one I feel confident in as respecting children and demonstrating concern for them, Missing Madeleine and I applaud the stand they have taken against Tony Bennett who just wanted to sell the idea Madeleine is dead.
wiz, if you look at the second Mitchelled Express article, right at the top, the word "kidnapped" has been inserted instead of "missing"!
British Police clearly do not accept the McCanns version of events, that is clear.
I would also point out there is reference to RIPA reports in the disclosed police document. That refers to the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act which enables Police and Security Services to bug the communications of suspected offenders in the UK. Now who do you think those suspected offenders are that they have or are bugging?
Hi all
I am quite confused, is there an ongoing Police investigation or not. The reports are so contradictory.
Wizard
I would love to see the correspondence from ministers, it could be very revealing imo.
What I dont understand is why the McCann's are seen as fit to care for the twins???
They may well have given Madeleine away alive and to a much better life than having to live with them but they are screwing the twins minds with hate and lies....
I know Madeleine is the victim but so are the Twins if they got rid of Madeleine because she was not what they wanted this is warped enough to realise the twins are in very grave danger...
If god forbid Kate or Gerry snapped and hit out and did kill her then what is to stop it happening again if one of the twins step out of line they are older than she was when she vanished and children like to ask awkward questions...
what if one of them says something they should not in a story in class????
My friend was mortified when her Son wrote My Mummy drinks wine and lies on her back laughing when she has some.... Very innocent but.....
An ongoing investigation by whom that is the question? If it was the LP they would have sated so? Since the PJ have shelved the case but not officially closed it then technically it is ongoing, but effectively in limbo indefinitely. This of course can be valid excuse for the LP to not release any documentation. So with respect to everyone here I think it is lame and deepens my suspicions even more that a cover up is in place. The LP IMO do not or never did have to have a missing persons request filed by the McCanns. They turned up after a holiday minus a child that alone is enough grounds for suspicion for the LP to act. They do not appear to have done much, except pay lip service to the McCanns. I think that holding on to the files is to protect certain people and ministers. I hope I am wrong but I have no faith with the LP at all.
Hi Joe
I am also on your wave length. I never wanted to believe in conspiracy theories but quite honestly this stinks.
Madeleine is a ward of court, so why are the courts not fighting for Madeleine's rights and asking the LP to hand over all their files which show what they know.
Cover up, I think most of us have an opinion as to why.
I never thought I would be ashamed to live in this country, but I truly am. It is not just because of what happened to Madeleine and the circus that has followed. It is the total loss of our values as a nation that was once great and Labour, Cons, Libs just laugh in our faces. The sad thing is we just sit and take it.
Hello Di,
It sure does stink. I think that the wrong horse was backed and those in the know will not allow themselves to be shown up at all costs, even if justice is denied. IMO The bigger picture is to protect those who got involved illadvisedly, naively and unwisely. The McCanns are not that important and its their backers that are probably keeping the lid on this. The LP gave McCann a standing ovation I read on the net in the past and there was a link to the fund from the LP website I do believe. Not very impartial IMO, and the latest, McCann to speak at the CEOP this month. Cozy or what? So any ongoing investigation by the LP would not appear to be on McCanns et al if the above are to be believed. Perhaps the LP accept the abduction theory that is another possible?
Hi Viv,
I think the problem is legal understanding of jurisdiction. I thought if a crime was carried out abroad on a British citizen it was the local police in the country where the crime was committed who had the jurisdiction to investigate.
If we speculate and say the perpetrators of the crime were also British and subsequently returned to Britain they cannot be investigate for the crime which occurred outside Britain jurisdiction.
If, however, the police from the country where the crime took placed asked the British police to continue keeping an eye on possible suspects, now in Britain, this was OK. This is what I thought was happening.
I also thought I read if the McCann approached the British Police and asked them to investigate in some form or another they could. But as we know the McCanns did not do this. Assuming it was feasible in the first place.
It may well be I have got this all wrong but I thought this is what was happening. It was interesting what you highlighted about the ‘bugging’ but again if this did happen nothing appears to have been heard over the past 2/3 years to warrant any further action. With the demands on police manpower could bugging still be taking place – it seems doubtful to me.
Confused - Wiz
In my plain opinion LP for reasons i dont know, but I can suspect, is doing nothing but protect the mcanns. I don't believe than after the behaviour LP and the laboratory who performed the analisis,PJ could trust them to aask them something about this case.
LP look one before dogs performance and another afer going back to UK
If the McCanns wanted to find Madeline then the more people as in Police are looking/investigating the better and including the pretendy cops and the more likelihood of a result, no matter if its in the UK as a missing person or in PT by the PJ. Now I do believe that they have not filed a missing persons report and do not want the case reopened in PT either. Now why is that? They would rather pay the pretendies instead of getting a real police force(s), again why is that?
Hiya Wiz
I think it is probably helpful if you see the law on jurisdiction in action as in the example below which is exactly the same as the McCanns situation. The Offences Against the Person Act 1861 gives England and Wales Police jurisdiction when a subject commits homicide abroad. The Sexual Offences Act 2003 also gives us jurisdiction when our own subjects commit sex offending crimes against children abroad. In short, it was no use the McCanns running back here, there was no escape for them.
LP are following the law to the letter in this case including the Criminal Procedure and Investigations Act. If you check this you will see that even the police have to go through hoops to get disclosure from LA Social Services Departments in relation to inquiries and then the police disclosure officers also has to carefully consider what he can and cannot disclose even to the prosecutor. No suspect is allowed any access to evidence the police hold at all, unless they get charged and even then it is only selected disclosure. It stands to reason the police are never going to release files to the public, that is just not consononant with our legal procedures that recognise for the sake of victim, offenders and justice itself all that information cannot go into the public domain. I think that is the problem here, the public want the British Police files disclosed on the McCann case in the same way that the Pt files have been disclosed but here, that just never happens.
(he was sentenced to life in UK even though he murdered his wife and disposed of her body in Spain. As i the McCanns case you will see there was great co-operation between the two countries to bring about the prosecution in line with EU procedures)
Nuneaton man charged with murdering wife in Spain
Aug 5 2008 By Steve Evans and Emma Stone
A 62-YEAR-OLD local man has been charged with killing his wife in Spain.
Allen Heard is accused of murdering his wife Pat, who disappeared two years ago.
Heard, who used to live in The Raywoods, Nuneaton and also in Leicester Street, Bedworth, before emigrating with his wife to Spain, is also charged with perverting the course of justice.
He appeared before magistrates in Nuneaton for the first time yesterday.
The couple emigrated to Oliva, near Valencia, in 2004 and Mrs Heard was reported missing two years later. A massive public appeal was launched to find her but no trace was found.
Now detectives in England and in Spain, who are working together on the case, believe her body may be buried in a shallow grave near Valencia.
Allen Heard made a brief appearance at the Nuneaton Justice Centre yesterday afternoon.
Heard, who returned to England from Spain recently, was arrested after voluntarily walking into a police station in Warwickshire.
He faces charges of the murder of his 58-year-old wife Patricia on or before July 30, 2006, and
perverting the course of justice by reporting her missing and concealing her body in a grave.
He was remanded in custody to Blakenhurst Prison to appear again at Warwick Crown Court for a plea and direction hearing on August 15.
Heard, wearing a suit, spoke only to confirm his address in Spain and his date of birth.
Neil Bannister, prosecuting, said he would oppose any application for bail.
He said: "The police still have a number of inquiries to make in England and Spain and now, of course, the most important one is to recover the body and repatriate it for a post-mortem examination. The police have a delicate and sensitive task to recover the body."
No application for bail was made.
Mrs Heard's disappearance in 2006 shocked her family and friends in the Coventry and Bedworth area.
Before they moved abroad Mrs Heard had been popular at the Black Horse pub in Exhall where she was a member of the ladies' darts team.
At the time of her disappearance in 2006, an appeal for information was posted on a website run by the UK charity Missing People. It read: "Her family and friends are extreme-ly worried for Patricia's welfare as her disappearance is completely out of character. They just want to know that Patricia is okay and urge her to make contact with someone to reassure them of her well-being."
In a desperate attempt to find out what had happened, Mrs Heard's daughter Linda Jones, of Nuneaton, also spoke to the Telegraph. She described her mother as "confident and sociable".
She said: "We just want to know she is safe. This is completely out of character... She has missed two grandchildren's birthdays - that's the bit I can't get over, I just can't see why she's done that.
"We've got in touch with everyone we know but there might be other friends we're not aware of. Someone may be talking to her not knowing she is missing - it's our last chance. We don't know what else to do."
Today, murder squad detectives in Nuneaton were liaising with police in Valencia as a grim search for a body was continuing.
Hi Viv,
Thank you for the example. The man pleaded guilty and handed himself into the British Police. I just wonder why the Spanish police did not ask for extradition, however, I take your point he was dealt with in a British court although the crime was committed in Spain.
If my understanding is correct the British police worked with the Spanish police on this. But if he had not have confessed would the British police still be investigating? This conviction was handed to them on a plate.
I just wonder if the Portuguese police would be as co-operative as they after all have been heavily criticised in the world press and would no doubt want their day in court.
Off subject here - London is again in chaos due to the weather. I understand we are running out of salt for the roads. Boris Johnson (London’s Mayor) is begging everyone he can think of for more supplies which apparently will run out in two days.
I hope he gets some joy or the capital will be brought to a standstill! Beggar’s belief really.
As I was driving home last night at 11.30pm none of the roads were gritted and it was all a bit scary and dangerous - as they knew this weather was coming why?
Sorry I had to have a bit of a rant.
Hiya Wiz
I assume the Spanish police were onto this man and he thought he would pop home to evade the problem. That I think is what Kate and Gerry did!
They were quite happy to stay in PDL until they were made arguidos. I suppose they then thought if the children were to be taken from them, better for it to happen in UK who would likely have sought to place the twins with relatives.
You seem to imply that unless suspects just put their hands up Brit Police do not bother to investigate which I find an extraordinary proposition!
As you will see on the new post I just put up I have had my own horrendous experience in the snow when we got about four inches Tuesday morning. But the roads had cleared and so I went to moms to take her out., But then when I tried to get back it had started again, no gritters, no nothing. I will not forget skidding up onto an icy hump back bridge repeatedly and fearing I was going to crash into it as I attempted to get over it and with many people just giving up, but not me or one other car who managed to get over it in front of me, but then had a two miles drive up the most terrifying icy slope and then back down again. And then another terrifying icy slope down to my house. I just do not know how I made it. The gritters came out in force when it was all too late that night about midnight! It was not as though they did not know given it had snowed on the morning, but I suppose they cleared that and then down it came again!
It is obviously all over the country god help us!
xx
Hi Viv,
I wonder if you have seen this copied from JM's blog.
"Maddie's parents want to wipe-out Gonçalo Amaral
A letter sent by the English couple's lawyers said they will sue anyone who publishes on the Internet the totality or excerpts from the former PJ inspector's book
Kate and Gerry McCann want to delete from the Internet all the traces of Gonçalo Amaral's book on the disappearance of their daughter Maddie. As ascertained by 24 horas, the couple has instructed its lawyers to subpoena all the bloggers who have published excerpts or the entire work of the former inspector to remove such content from the Internet under the penalty of being prosecuted in the courts.
The notice was sent to the authors of the blogs that are more focused on the "Maddie case" by the British law firm Carter-Ruck, a letter which gives an account of the court order prohibiting the sale of the book 'Maddie, The Truth of Lie'. In the letter that the 24 horas had access, the McCann lawyers attached a copy of the decision made by the Civil Court of Lisbon.
"The purpose of this letter is to notify you that the material that you are publishing is grossly defamatory to our clients and to alert you that you are on the verge of receiving a lawsuit" it can be read while, they demand for the immediate withdrawal of all the content related to Gonçalo Amaral's book.
No Warnings for Portuguese Bloggers
Contacted by 24 horas, Isabel Duarte, the lawyer for the McCanns in Portugal, has assured that no notice of this kind was sent to any Portuguese bloggers. [it's a lie: Gazeta Digital a blog by a Portuguese freelance journalist received a letter from Carter-Ruck]
This is not the first time that the parents of British girl, who disappeared in Praia da Luz in May 2007, try to silence the theories that contradict the version of the abduction on the Internet. In September, Kate and Gerry McCann ordered their lawyers to advance with legal proceedings against the authors of sites and blogs that defend that Maddie is likely dead.
in 24 Horas, 07.01.10, paper edition
Bellow is the letter of the McCann lawyers, Carter Ruck, which was sent to the US host of one of the sites without the author of that site ever receiving any previous warning. The temporary injunction order imposed by the Lisbon Civil Court has jurisdiction only in Portugal and only in relation to Dr. Gonçalo Amaral, to the book publishers Guerra e Paz and to the producer of the documentary based on the book 'Maddie, The Truth of the Lie', Valentim de Carvalho. The same type of letter with the injunction attached was sent, allegedly to Amazon France and Germany, who pulled from their sites any mention of the book by Dr. Gonçalo Amaral in these versions: 'Maddie, L'lenquête Interdite' and 'Maddie, Die Wahrheit über Lüge'. The French channel W9 which was supposed to have broadcast the documentary based on the book of Gonçalo Amaral, as well as the McCanns one in October 2009 in a program called 'Enquêtes criminelles' at the last minute, and allegedly after receiving a letter from Carter Ruck gave up the broadcast."
Commenting on the above I would have thought Carter Ruck would have held off until the issue relating to Amaral’s book was heard formally in court later this month. They appear very confident the temporary injunction will be upheld.
Hi Viv,
Living in London the police clear up rate, even for murders, is very poor so I must admit I have very little confidence in them.
I notice with lesser crimes in London the police do not even bother investigating they are so thinly stretched and bogged down with paperwork designed to ensure individuals civil liberties are not infringed it becomes just ridiculous.
Most met officers are chained to their computers filling out forms instead of presenting a police presence on the streets.
I didn't take the car out yesterday because of the weather but have to use it this afternoon -the main roads seem clear but getting out of my road might be a problem. I’m going to try and hopefully will be back safe and sound later.
Hiya Wiz and thanks so much for copying across the latest threats from Messrs Carter Ruck. I must confess as I started to read it and saw "you are on the verge of receiving a lawsuit" I did not think it was genuine due to use of that phrase but as I read on and saw it was for American consumption that does make sense.
I suppose the other way to look at it is Carter Ruck and their clients are not confident of the injunction being upheld and are seeking to exert its power whilst they still can. To that extent, in France and Germany it has clearly worked even though they could have stood their ground and said well we are not breaching any injunction because it only applies to those Portuguese citizens/companies!
Hiya Wiz
I do take your point that in London in particular even for murder as you say, the clear up rate is not good.
Certainly, as an ex probation officer I can also entirely agree that far too much time is expected chained to a computer filling out forms etc which prevents police, probation officers, social workers etc actually getting on with the practical and vital aspects of the job they are meant to do, protecting the public! The managerialism clearly increased and encouraged by the current labour government is an absolute disgrace.
And then we have the human rights of offenders. Clearly this is never going to be a popular measure with the public and I also tend to agree the balance is still wrong. True we do not want suspects to be convicted of offences they did not commit due to poor standards but in spite of labour proclaiming they are redressing the balance in favour of victims it is hard to see how that is any more than political dogma that simply has not translated into reality.
The McCann case does exemplify that, at present, we can see that they are responsible for what happened to Madeleine, but to date, they did not even get the twins taken from them which clearly should have happened, no matter it would prejudice any trial etc of them. The twins to any right thinking person, their safety and proper emotional development should come way ahead of two parents, who, on their own admission, were simply not fit to be parents.
In fact admitting just how bad they apparently were, all seems to be part of their "defence".
I still believe that Kate's admissions and smirks on TV about how she just went and done it again, after Madeleine supposedly complained were nothing but cynical attempts at self defence. And to me that just shows how dire she knows her situation is. When thinking about it, it has sometimes made me so angry I have thought about writing to TV programmes again, to say why should we have to listen to such abusive parents? Is this good news reporting, telling people how they can just get away with such shocking behaviour? The media have a lot to answer for in just using this couple to put on a show, I think they have a duty to the public and it should just be about making sensational programmes stocked with the most incredible examples of middle class doctors one could possibly imagine.
should *not*
Wiz, I suppose I am fortunate in one respect that although I live on abit of a hill, it is a main road that gets salted/gritted (well sometimes), but trying to go anywhere without going off the main road is impossible! Then I know it is just horrifying.
I do hope you are safe this afternoon.
Take Care
Viv xx
Morning All,
I see the latest news from Portugal is from today’s ‘Crorreio da Manha’. They report that Goncalo Amaral may have to pay a fine worth 100 thousand Euros every time he speaks about this case. This is requested by the McCanns in their recent money making process filed against him.
A pair of provincial doctors have managed to get some very powerful backers - the reasons why these backers still remain I find inexplicable. To have money and the ear of influential people - which apparently these two individual from nowhere have - now makes them a very powerful force in manipulating and closing down opinion that differs from there own.
Viv, yesterday’s car journey did not happen, my car was well and truly snowed under. The road I live in is ungritted and so icy the tyres would not grip. Had to go on the bus.
Looking at the 10 day weather forecast it appears that it will be with us until at least Wednesday of next week!
This little snippet comes from Sky News’s Martin Brunt.
“Did you know Praia da Luz has a secret? Find out now.”
Brunt. “I found this tasteful advert prominently displayed in Baptista's supermarket down the hill from the Ocean Club in Praia da Luz from where Madeleine McCann disappeared two-and-a-half years ago.”
“I can't decide whether the Vila Luz marketing department should be fired for its stupidity or admired for its daring initiative.”
“And if it's the latter, what took them so long?”
M Brunt - Life of Crime blog
Hiya again Wiz and so glad you did manage to get out safely, on the bus, that is a good option this weather even if we car lovers do not relish hanging around at bus stops etc! As you say, sometimes there is no option. Whilst looking out at my garden and beyond does look very pretty I really wish it would all go away! Let us hope it is not with us too much longer.
For a long time my attitude has been there is no prospect of Goncalo bringing Justice for Madeleine any more than that was the case with Tony Bennett and his pamphlets. There is only one way the McCanns are going to finish up in court and sentenced for what they did, when British Police have sufficient evidence against them to prosecute them for what they did. I do believe they need to find out exactly what happened to Madeleine. And I do believe that the TAPAS 9 are the key to that and they are simply not co-operating with the police.
So, the actions of Goncalo Amaral and whether or not he is forced to completely shut up about this case do not make any difference to this. In fact, in many respects those who go beyond discussing evidence that is already in the public domain, and go beyond where it can take us, by insisting Madeleine died in the apartment, could actually stop justice, by preventing the McCanns facing trial.
There are two wars being fought here, the propaganda war for public opinion which the internet and Goncalo Amaral represent on the one hand and Team McCann on the other. And then the forces of law and order which security services/ the state in many different jurisdictions represent.
It is not even helpful to the propaganda war against Kate, Gerry and their spin IMO, to behave in such an unlawful way that they are injuncted and make Kate and Gerry look like the winners to many people. It is helpful to simply look at the evidence that we have and discuss that continuing to flag up why Kate and Gerry are not innocent in the disappearance of Madeleine.
Whilst they remain no more than suspects they want to con the public into handing money over to them to "find Madeleine". They have no right to do that as they know exactly where she is, and they are their friends have refused to co-operate with the police. And we have a right to continue to take every lawful means to stop them doing that. But I still believe that at the end of the day, we should understand and accept that the police are doing their best and as when they can, they will bring them to justice.
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