BRITISH Transport Police today appealed for information after 40 railway detonators were stolen from a depot in Bicester.
The theft is thought to have taken place overnight on Monday, April 21.
Acting Sergeant Damon Lewis, of British Transport Police at Reading, said that the yellow-coloured detonators are used as warning devices to alert train drivers to the presence of engineers or potential hazards on the line.
The detonators are safe if handled correctly, but can explode if they receive a hard blow or come into contact with fire.
Acting Sergeant Lewis said: "The detonators contain mild explosives and emit a loud bang when drivers pass over them.
"They could be very dangerous in untrained hands, particularly young children or teenagers who may see them as a source of fun or entertainment.
"We are obviously concerned for the safety of the individuals who have the detonators, regardless of their age, and I would urge anyone who has information that could help us with our enquiries to contact us as soon as possible."
Contact British Transport Police on Freefone 0800 40 50 40 quoting incident number 70 of 22/04/08 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. All calls will be treated in confidence.
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