GPS Tracking Device Causes Bomb Scare In Australia

If you follow our blog, you’ll remember that we’ve reported a few stories of GPS devices and geocache containers being mistaken for bombs here in the America. The story is always pretty similar. A concerned citizen reports a suspicious package or device, resulting in various levels of inconvenience in the form of road closures and bomb squads being called out. Well, it appears we’re not alone in this mix up. Last month, Australia’s Adelaide’s court precinct was locked down after a man was seen placing something under a vehicle in the court’s parking lot.  

One certainly can’t blame the courier, or any other concerned citizen, who reported the suspicious activity. Had there been an explosive, such a report could save lives. Taking every precaution, the bomb squad was called to investigate when a courier reported seeing a man placing something under an unoccupied vehicle parked outside the supreme and district court buildings. Police closed roads, redirecting traffic for hours, and evacuated several nearby buildings.

It was confirmed by the bomb squad that there was, in fact, a device placed in the wheel well of the vehicle. The device turned out not to be an explosive. Instead, the man had placed a GPS tracking device on the Holden Commodore sedan. Police are still investigating why the device was placed on the vehicle. They are also looking into the identity of the man who planted the device.

“Investigations continue in relation to the circumstances of the device being placed under the car and the owner of the car is assisting police with their inquiries,” police reported. “It is a reminder to everyone to be vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police immediately.” Police were appreciative of the concerned citizen’s report, even though there wound up being no threat.

GPS Tracking Device Causes Bomb Scare In Australia