Thieves steal radioactive device from oilfield truck. Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray RCMP are searching for someone who has stolen something that could be more trouble than it's worth. Police say a radioactive device was stolen sometime over the last three days from a pickup truck parked at an area oilfield site.
Thieves steal radioactive device from oilfield truck.
Lac La Biche and Fort McMurray RCMP are searching for someone who has stolen something that could be more trouble than it's worth.
Police say a radioactive device was stolen sometime over the last three days from a pickup truck parked at an area oilfield site.
The device was inside a locked box that was opened at the scene.
Police were only made aware of the theft late Monday. In two press releases issued Monday night, police went from a heightened state of concern to a downgraded caution as the radioactivity levels of the device were learned.
"The device contains a significant amount of radiation and poses a serious risk of injury to the person possessing the device and the public," stated a press release issued Monday night.
That information was updated a few hours later when Lac La Biche RCMP Const. Chris Clark issued a clarification based on further investigation of the device.
"Upon Police conducting further investigation it has been learned that the device that had been stolen contains a minimal amount of radiation and therefore is less risk to the public," states the most recent release.
Despite the reduced risk, police are still asking the public to not touch the device/instrument and to contact Police. If the instrument is dropped or damaged there is a potential for a possible leak from the instrument.
Police are asking that the parties responsible contact Police and arrange for a safe return of the device. Police also ask that if anyone has any further information that may assist with the locating of this device or if someone has located it to not handle it and immediately contact their local Police.
Police have not released the purpose of the stolen device, but have issued a photo of it.
If you have any further information regarding this investigation you can contact the Fort McMurray RCMP Detachment at (780) 788-4000 or contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477(TIPS).
