A suspected Second World War-era grenade prompted a temporary closure around Stratford Police Service headquarters Thursday evening after it was brought to the station by a resident who discovered it while cleaning out a home. Police said the individual arrived at headquarters shortly before 7 p.m. on Oct. 8 to turn over the device, which had been left inside a vehicle parked in the municipal lot across from the station. As a precaution, officers closed the area surrounding police headquarters, including George Street West between Downie Street and St. Patrick Street, and restricted public access while the situation was assessed. The Waterloo Regional Police Service Bomb Disposal Unit arrived at about 8:50 p.m. and safely removed the grenade without incident. The area was reopened by 9 p.m. Police said explosives of that age can be highly unstable and may pose a serious risk of injury or death if moved. The Stratford Police Service is reminding the public not to handle suspected explosive devices. Anyone who discovers a potentially dangerous item should leave it where it is and contact police, who can arrange for its safe removal and disposal.
