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www.oakvillebeaver.com The Oakville Beaver, Wednesday August 16, 2006 - 7 Police don't believe bomb scares are related By Krissie Rutherford OAKVILLE BEAVER STAFF The Halton Regional Police Explosives Disposal Unit (EDU) was busy in Oakville this past week with a couple of bomb scares that turned out to be false alarms. The EDU was called out Thursday and Monday after unidentified objects were found first at a local residence and then in the parking lot of a strip mall. Neither object was dangerous or contained any explosives, said Constable Jeff Foster of the EDU. The Thursday night call came from a Grosvenor Street resident, who found two unidentified hardshelled suitcases on her front porch. The second call was received Monday morning and concerned a cylindrical shaped "suspect device," said Foster. It was found in the back parking lot of MEDIchair at Bronte Road and Speers Road. Police are still investigating where the objects came from, but Foster said the incidents were probably unrelated. "It's most unlikely that they could be connected," he said. "They're likely two separate incidences." While it's not usual for the EDU to get two calls in Oakville over five days, Foster says recent worldwide terrorism threats from around the world have heightened public awareness. "These calls can come in because obviously the pub- RIZIERO VERTOLLI / OAKVILLE BEAVER BOMB SCARE: The Halton Regional Police called in their bomb robot to help with a bomb scare on the corner of Bronte Road and Speers Road on Monday morning. lic is more aware of their surroundings and the events on the world stage. People have become more aware of bombings," he said. "This is a safe area and these calls are usually few and far between, but we treat them all seriously, obviously because they have the potential (to be dangerous.)" The EDU was alerted last Thursday at 11:45 p.m. after the Grosvenor Street resident had moved the unidentified suitcases off her front porch and called police. Police said she reported one suitcase felt like it was holding a cylinder-type object that was rolling around. After the police cordoned off the area, the EDU helped with the "safe destruction" of the suitcases using a bomb robot, say police. Oakville Fire, EMS and the Halton Police Tactical Rescue Unit were also on scene while an EDU member wearing a bomb suit swept the area to make sure the contents of the suitcases were safe. No explosive substances or parts were found and police say the incident "appears to be a hoax." The origin is still unknown and police are continuing their investigation. On Monday, the EDU was notified at 8:30 a.m. about a "suspect device" in the parking lot of MEDIchair. Police got the call from an employee. "We were able to determine it was an actual manufactured product," said Foster, who wouldn't say exactly what the object was because police don't want to encourage copycats. "It was a cylindrical tube," he added. That tube had businesses in the area shut down for five hours Monday morning while Oakville Fire, EMS, Police and the EDU were on scene ensuring it wasn't an explosive. EDU members used the bomb robot to try to explode the package in a controlled area and then brought in a member in a bomb suit to identify the package and make sure the area was safe. "We are satisfied that it was not or never was an explosive, or contained any explosives," said Foster. After they realized it was safe, business carried on as usual in the strip mall. Halton Police's Explosive Disposal Unit reminds residents to notify the police immediately if you find any suspect packages or objects and not to move or touch them. Halton Regional Police are asking anyone with information related to either of these matters to call police at 905-825-4777 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800222-TIPS (8477). HOUSING (BILLETS) FOR BLADES PLAYERS REQUESTED IN THE OAKVILLE/MISSISSAUGA AREA "Masonry & Fireplace Design Specialists" Reface your old fireplace Don't forget to get that old chimney repaired. The Oakville Blades are looking for families who may have an interest in billeting an out of town player. We can help with our "IN HOUSE" experts · mason · gas fitters · electricians · cabinet makers 406 Speers Rd., Oakville(across from Rona Lansing) Should you be interested in helping the team, please contact the Blades at...905-337-3361 ext 236. Qualified families will receive monthly compensation. 905-337-2066 VISIT THE SPECIALISTS TO SEE THE DIFFERENCE www.cobblestonembers.ca