Radioactive device taken from truck over weekend

10/24/2001

A $10,000 radioactive gauge used to measure soil moisture and density was taken from the bed of a pickup truck parked at 927 North Superior St. between 5 p.m. Saturday and 7:30 a.m. Monday, authorities said.

The device, owned by Bowser-Morner, Inc., of Toledo, is used at construction sites. The low-level radioactive materials are sealed in stainless steel capsules, one of which is located at the end of the instrument's stainless steel probe. It is not harmful unless it is mishandled or broken open, according to Bowser-Morner.

The instrument weighs about 35 pounds and has a bright yellow cover with a carrying handle at the end of two steel rods. It was locked in a yellow plastic container marked with radioactive materials labels.

The company is offering a $200 reward for information leading to the recovery of the device.