A photo taken of a poster allegedly put up in the University of Manchester went viral after it was criticised for victim blaming.
This isn't real, right? Right? Surely Greater Manchester Police wouldn't actually think this poster is acceptable?
An article in The Tab initially linked the poster to a recent sexual assault at the University of Manchester.
Manchester police tell students: don't wear a thong or you will get attacked http://t.co/wBubk90LOa
"After the rape of a student in Fallowfield, Greater Manchester Police have issued a uniquely vomit-inducing poster. http://t.co/LUedHR7fmF"
Twitter was quick to criticise Greater Manchester Police.
Shame on greater Manchester police for condoning rape based on a woman's outfit choice!! Sincerely hope none of their daughters are victims!
So after the rapes in Fallowfield Manchester police have put posters up around campus telling girls to stop showing off their assets :)
WHAT THE FUCK!!! RT @elinbenjj After the rape of a student, Greater Manchester Police have issued a unique poster http://t.co/SnTeiw6bMA”
However, that poster dates back to 2006, and commenters below the Tab article claim it has been in the halls for at least four years.
These are what the current anti-rape posters of Greater Manchester Police look like.
I love Manchester. This is how we do police posters about the dangers of rape
In a statement to BuzzFeed News, Greater Manchester Police said: "This poster was produced in 2007 by GMP as part of a campaign to tackle robberies being committed against students. It has nothing to do with a publicity campaign on rape."
The strapline 'Keep your assets out of sight' was simply a reminder to students not to flaunt valuables such as mobile phones, iPods and cameras.
The poster is no longer printed or distributed, and it is seven years since they were last sent out.
According to The Tab, the poster is still up, in the computer department of Manchester University. Editor Jack Rivlin told us: "Our article did not link the poster to the attacks except to say it was insensitive given the recent attacks, which it obviously is."
The Tab's article has been edited to remove the connection between the poster and a recent incident of sexual assault.