[Tennessee_Bob]

Good point, but the name of the item wasn't listed anywhere, and I can't read it on the unit itself in the picture.

Like I said in other posts - it's a matter of security. This is a low-level source, but higher power sources are out there as well, and they're not any better secured than this thing is.

[cva66snipe]

Looks like the scene of the crime moved a little west. Like half way across the county. They consider it serious enough to involve TEMA. I found this article in www.knoxnews.com

State and local briefs for June 27 June 27, 2002

Stolen DOT gauge could pose radiation hazard if broken The state is asking residents for help in locating a stolen moisture density gauge that could prove dangerous if broken.

The device was stolen from a 1997 Ford Aerostar Tennessee Department of Transportation van while it was in Karns.

The gauge case is about the size and shape of a suitcase and is made of a hard, yellow plastic with handles on each end and the top.

The gauge itself is also yellow with a rectangular base and foot-long handle. Both are clearly labeled as radioactive.

The gauge is used in measuring properties of materials used in road construction. Small amounts of radioactive material in the gauge are contained in sealed sources.

The device could present a radiation hazard if it was damaged and the radioactive sources exposed.

The state urges anyone with information about the gauge to call the Knoxville Emergency Assistance Center at 865-594-5518 or the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency at 1-800-262-3300.