Copper rods in cyanide-soaked bags stolen

Thieves could be dicing with death after stealing copper in cyanide soaked cotton bags from a warehouse.

Police are appealing for information after 52 copper anodes were stolen.

The rods, each weighing 30kg, measuring 1 metre long and 8cm across, were stolen during a burglary at an industrial premises on Vickers Industrial Estate, Morecambe overnight on Monday, March 30.

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The items appear to have been through a rinsing tank before they were taken.

The cyanide bags the copper anodes were stored in.The cyanide bags the copper anodes were stored in.
The cyanide bags the copper anodes were stored in.

Whilst the risk of harm is generally considered to be low, the rods or canvas bags are potentially harmful if any possible trace of cyanide is inhaled or if a person touches them and their hands then make contact with their mouth.DC Dylan Hrynkow said “We believe this was professional job as the rods were put through rinsing tank before they were taken, reducing the risk of harm to those handling them.”

“That said, there is still a risk to those handling these items as they still may be contaminated with cyanide.

“If you have been offered these items for sale, please do make contact with us. Similarly, if you are wanting to hand these in, please call us prior to doing so.”

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Similar advice was issued by police last month after 200 cyanide coated metal balls were stolen at from industrial premises on Poulton Industrial Estate. Contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting 0140 of March 31.