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Nuclear device stolen in FL returned to police |
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Monday, 17 December 2007 |
Cliff Buchan
News Editor
It’s the Christmas season so it is better to give than to receive? Forest Lake police on Monday found a present waiting on their doorstep early Monday and a strange one at that. A nuclear density tester that was stolen from a truck in Forest Lake in September was found on a sidewalk to the Forest Lake City Hall on Monday morning, left by someone in the darkness who no longer wanted to deal with the device.
The device contains highly radioactive material that could pose human harm if damaged or tampered with, police said.
Sgt. Ron Hanegraaf said he found the device on a ramp leading to a north side entry to the city hall complex, 220 N. Lake St., at 5 a.m. Monday
Police began their investigation on September 13 when a Toxler Nuclear Gage worth $7000 was reported stolen from a pickup truck parked at 407 SW 11th Ave. The device, used to measure moisture content and the density of soil and building materials, is owned by Asset Management, a construction company.
The device was taken along with other company tools including a power generator and a diamond cord drill. The generator and drill were not returned.
Hanegraaf said the 29-pound device that is 30 inches long and 14 inches wide by 17 inches tall was inspected on Monday by officials of the Minnesota Department of Health and found to be undamaged and safe.
Police are continuing to follow leads in the case, Hanegraaf said.
Anyone with information about the September theft or the delivery to Forest Lake City Hall late Sunday or early Monday is asked to call the police department at 651-464-5877.
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