Authorities: Radioactive measuring device stolen in Mexico

MEXICO CITY – Mexican authorities are searching for an industrial measuring device containing radioactive material that was stolen from a pickup in the western Pacific coast state of Nayarit.

The equipment contains IR 192, and is of a kind often used in construction and manufacturing. The Interior Department said the device was stolen from the truck in the Nayarit state capital.

Authorities said Monday that the material poses serious health risks if tampered with. Citizens are warned not to touch or go near the equipment, and a security perimeter of 15 feet (5 metres) is recommended.

There have been several such thefts in Mexico in recent years, but the radioactive materials have been recovered.