Police are appealing for information after 52 copper anodes stored in cyanide soaked cotton bags were stolen from Vickers Industrial Estate.
The rods, each weighing 30kg, measuring one metre long and eight centimetres across, were stolen during a burglary at an industrial premises on Vickers Industrial Estate, Morecambe overnight on Monday 30th March.
The items appear to have been through a rinsing tank before they were taken.
Whilst the risk of harm is generally considered to be low, the rods or canvas bags are potentially harmful if any possible trace of cyanide is inhaled or if a person touches them and their hands then make contact with their mouth.
DC Dylan Hrynkow said “We believe this was professional job as the rods were put through rinsing tank before they were taken, reducing the risk of harm to those handling them.”
“That said, there is still a risk to those handling these items as they still may be contaminated with cyanide.
“We are urging anyone who may have any information about the location of these anodes to get in contact with us as soon as possible.
“If you have been offered these items for sale, please do make contact with us. Similarly, if you are wanting to hand these in, please call us prior to doing so.”
Similar advice was issued by police last month after 200 cyanide coated metal balls were stolen at from industrial premises on Poulton Industrial Estate.
Anybody with any information about the theft can contact Lancashire Police on 101 quoting incident reference 0140 of 31 March.
Alternatively, they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at Crimestoppers-uk.org. No personal details are taken, information is not traced or recorded and you will not go to court.
If you are concerned about potential cyanide poisoning, please call 999 in an emergency or speak to the NHS on 111.