‘Dangerous equipment’ stolen from van in Dundalk

Gardaí have issued an appeal for information following the theft of “dangerous equipment” from a van in Co Louth.

Dundalk gardaí are leading the investigation into the circumstances of the theft of a "handheld x-ray fluorescent metal analyser" from a van in a hotel car park in the town sometime between 10pm on Wednesday and 9am on Thursday.

X-ray fluorescent analysers are primarily used in the construction industry to measure the density of metal in objects. They are also utilised during mining, dealing in scrap metal, environmental remediation, and jewellery analysis.

Gardaí said the device was “valuable”. It was stored in a case when taken from a white van parked in the car park of the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Green Park, Dundalk.

In a statement, gardaí in Dundalk warned the public that the device “emits radiation, is dangerous and should only be used by trained personnel”.

They are appealing for witnesses or anyone who may have any information to contact Dundalk Garda station on 042-9388400, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800666111, or any Garda station.