Stolen Radioactive Equipment

On Tuesday 17 July 2012 a white Ford Courier ute, Registration WM1511, was reported stolen from New Brighton in Christchurch.

It is not the ute that is of major concern to Police, it is what was in the back.

The ute was carrying a nuclear density meter in the back. The nuclear density meter is a Troxler model 3440. The ute is clearly placarded with the 'Class 7 Radioactive' signs.

This meter has two small radioactive sources and although the amount of radioactive material is relatively small and the radioactive is encapsulated in stainless steel; unauthorised removal of the radioactive 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" says Inspector Marc Paynter of Police National Headquarters. "We would like to recover the gauge, fully assembled and to ensure there is no risk to the public; I appeal to the person who took the vehicle to do the right thing and let us know exactly where the gauge is so that we can have it collected".

Any one with any information is urged to contact their nearest Police Station or Police Communication Centre.