nuclear-news

Stolen vehicle contained radioactive material

Nuclear material on stolen ute TVNZ July 21, 2012  Police fear radioactive material could be released from a nuclear density metre on a utility stolen in Christchurch.

A white Ford Courier ute was reported stolen from New Brighton on Tuesday.

The ute, clearly placarded with “Class 7 Radioactive” signs, was
carrying a nuclear density meter in the back.

Police say the meter, a Troxler model 3440, has two small radioactive sources.

They say although the amount of radioactive material is relatively
small and is encapsulated in stainless steel, unauthorised removal of
the material still poses a potential public health and safety concern.

“No one should attempt to operate or disassemble the gauge, due to the
adverse health effects if they do,” said Inspector Marc Paynter of
Police National Headquarters.

Police want to recover the gauge, fully assembled, and to ensure there
is no risk to the public, Paynter said….
http://tvnz.co.nz/national-news/nuclear-material-stolen-ute-4978466

July 21, 2012 - Posted by Christina Macpherson | incidents, New Zealand