Police say a vehicle containing a nuclear device was stolen in North Vancouver earlier this week.
At around 9:30pm on February 13th, North Vancouver RCMP were notified that a grey 2004 Mazda 6 bearing BC licence plate VG377B was stolen from an underground parking lot at a fitness centre located in the 1000 block of Marine Drive.
A “nuclear soil moisture density gauge” was stolen with the vehicle and it could “pose a health risk to the person who took it”.
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stock photo of the stolen vehicle
“Nuclear gauges are devices used in construction and other industrial sectors to perform measurements and tests on various materials,” said Cst. Mansoor Sahak, Media Relations Officer for the North Vancouver RCMP.
The stolen device, a Troxler 3430 model like the one pictured below, contains a small amount of radioactive material.
A Troxler 3430 model like the one pictured here was stolen
“A person may start to experience effects from the radiation after 24 hours of exposure to a gauge that is not stored properly,” added Sahak.
The device does not produce enough radiation to be a risk to the broader public and whoever has it in their possession should leave it sealed in its case to prevent exposure.
“We’re seeking public assistance to locate the Mazda 6 along with the nuclear gauge so it can be returned to the owner,” said Cst. Mansoor Sahak.
Anyone with information call North Vancouver RCMP’s non-emergency line at 604-985-1311.