UK: police hunt missing detonators

[John Ashworth]

Police in Selby hunt for dangerous railway warning devices

Selby Times
Published on Friday 17 February 2012 15:01

POLICE in Selby are appealing for the public’s help to recover a number of railway detonators.

They were in a Ford Transit drop-sided van which was stolen between 12.35pm and 12.45pm on Thursday February 16, from Lunnfields Lane near Burton Salmon. The stolen Transit is a white cab with a black body. Its registration number is NA11ONR.

In the cab were two bags containing 16 foghorn detonators (like the one pictured) for use on railway lines. They are yellow, approximately 5cm in diameter and attached to two lead straps.

PC Dave Clark, of Selby Safer Neighbourhood Team, said: “We do not believe that the thieves knew the detonators were in the vehicle at the time and may have since dumped them somewhere.

“The stolen detonators do not pose a risk if they are handled correctly. However, despite their small size, if they are misused they may cause a serious injury.

“The detonators have no use other than alerting train drivers of potential hazards on the track.

“I urge anyone who may have seen the detonators, since the theft, to contact the North Yorkshire Police or Crimestoppers immediately.”