The Regina Police Service is repeating a message of caution to Regina residents after two more incidents of property damage caused by exploding plastic pop bottles. The latest two incidents happened over the weekend at homes in northwest Regina.
On Friday, September 17, 2010, at about 11:13 p.m., police were dispatched to a house on Rendek Crescent for a report of a pop bottle that had exploded. Preliminary investigation indicates that the resident of the house, a 66 year-old male, observed two vehicles park near his house and then saw a male walk up to the house, then walk away. When the resident went to look more closely, the cars drove away. The resident looked out his front door, saw a pop bottle in his mailbox and threw it onto the lawn. The bottle exploded about three minutes later. The homeowner was not injured. Police arrived and seized the bottle for processing by the Forensic Identification Unit. At this time, there is not enough detail to provide a vehicle or suspect description.
On Saturday, September 18, 2010, at about 4:10 p.m., police were called to a house in the 7000 block of Lawrence Drive for a report of a damaged mailbox. Police investigation indicates the resident returned from work that day to find the mailbox destroyed and a plastic pop bottle, in pieces, on the doorstep. A neighbour reported seeing an unknown vehicle in the area at about 10:30 p.m. the night before and then fifteen minutes later hearing a loud bang. Another resident heard the same loud bang and then the sound of a vehicle accelerating away from the area. As in the above-mentioned case, there is not enough information on either a vehicle or suspect at this time.
This brings the total number of recent similar incidents to six. There were four similar incidents reported to police in mid-August. The Regina Police Service is cautioning residents against picking up any suspicious item or package. Remember to put personal safety before property. If you find a suspicious item, do not pick it up and contact police. If you see or hear any suspicious activity, call police and, if possible get a description of the possible suspect or vehicle involved.
Anyone who has information on these most recent incidents is encouraged to contact the Regina Police Service at 777-6500 or call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).
