CPS warning that stolen nuclear gauge may be dangerous to thief
The Calgary Police Service is warning alleged thieves that they may have unwittingly put themselves at risk of nuclear radiation.
CPS issued a release on Thursday, stating that a nuclear gauge was stolen from a vehicle parked in the community of Woodbine, along with other tools, sometime between 6 pm on Tuesday, April 28 and 7:50 am the next morning.
A total of $23,000 worth of tools were stolen, but CPS had warned about one in particular, a Trozler 3430 model nuclear gauge, which police say contains a small amount of radioactive material.
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It is used in construction to perform measurements and tests of materials, and exposure to the gauge may cause effects after 24 hours if it is not stored properly.
“Breaking and entering is a high-risk behaviour and this incident really just highlights that fact,” said Inspector Michael Watterston, commander of District 6 with the Calgary Police Service, in the release.
“People do not know what dangers are posed by another person’s property and they might unknowingly take something that is hazardous if not handled properly.”
Anyone handling the gauge should leave it seated in its case as well as avoid tampering with it in any way.
Police also noted that “the device does not produce enough radiation to be a risk to the broader public.”
The investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information on the nuclear gauge or any of the stolen tools is asked to contact the Calgary Police Service’s non-emergency number at 403-266-1234.
Tips can also be left anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 1-800-222-8477 or through their website.
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