Canadian police have an important reminder for residents: don’t bring unexploded World War II grenades into police stations. It may seem obvious, yet the Ontario Provincial Police in Ottawa had to put out this message on social media.
In a post from July 10, they reported, “Early this morning, an individual brought unexploded World War II ordnance to the Ottawa OPP detachment for disposal.” They added, “OPP would like to remind the public that if they find such items, they should not take them to their local police station.”
It’s definitely a curious situation.
How exactly does one stumble across a World War II grenade in Canada, of all places? There wasn’t much military action happening there during the war. If I were hiking through the forests of Belgium and found an old grenade, that would make sense—but Canada? That’s unexpected.
If, by some chance, you do come across one, it’s understandable to want to report it to the authorities. I think I would feel the same way, honestly. Better safe than sorry, right?
It feels more reassuring to let law enforcement take care of it rather than risk having an explosive in a tight spot, like my car or my backyard.
Luckily, the police provided guidance on what to do should anyone encounter old explosives. “If you find an unexploded ordnance, please leave it alone and contact your local police,” they advised. “Police will arrange for the presence of an explosive ordnance disposal squad to handle it safely.”
