The following information was received via e-mail:
A CPN moisture density gauge (model MC3, serial # M330506989) was reported to have been stolen over the recent four day weekend from a construction site in Hesperia, between Main St. and Smoke Tree Lane. The gauge was reportedly taken with the transportation container, which was secured inside a locked construction trailer. The RSO believed that the authorized user had locked the transportation container [prior to] the period during which the gauge was stolen.
The [theft of the] gauge was reported to the Hesperia Police in San Bernardino County. The RSO was informed by RHB [Radiologic Health Branch] that a reward should be offered for the return of the gauge. The RSO indicated he would discuss posting of a reward with the company insurance carrier.
The gauge contains a 10 mCi Cs-137 gamma source and a 50 mCi Am-241/Be neutron source.
California Incident No: 5010-021710
THIS MATERIAL EVENT CONTAINS A "LESS THAN CAT 3" LEVEL OF RADIOACTIVE MATERIAL
Sources that are "Less than
IAEA Category 3 sources," are either sources that are very unlikely to cause permanent injury to individuals or contain a very small amount of radioactive material that would not cause any permanent injury. Some of these sources, such as
moisture density gauges or thickness
gauges that are Category 4, the amount of unshielded radioactive material, if not safely managed or securely protected, could possibly - although it is unlikely - temporarily injure someone who handled it or were otherwise in contact with it, or who were close to it for a period of many weeks. For additional information go to
http://www-pub.iaea.org/MTCD/publications/PDF/Pub1227_web.pdf