A $750 reward was being offered for the return of a nuclear work tool that was stolen from a truck parked near the UC Riverside campus, police said Wednesday.
The portable nuclear density gauge contains a small amount of radioactive material, and police are concerned that someone may tamper with it.
The theft took place last Wednesday on Campus View Drive and Mt. Vernon Avenue (map), Riverside Police Department officials said.
The gauge weighs about 30 pounds and is stored in an orange and yellow container the size of a small trunk, weighing a combined 90 pounds. CPN, the manufacturer's name, is printed on both the gauge and shipping case.
"The gauge should not be used or tampered with by someone who is unauthorized to do so," police said.
The tool is used to inspect land and paving construction projects. When properly used, the gauge presents no danger to the operator or public, police said.
Anyone with information was asked to call Det. Joe Miera at 951-353-7241.
