Potentially dangerous device using radiation is missing as LA County Public Works offers reward

Los Angeles County officials are asking for the public’s help in locating a potentially dangerous device – a piece of construction equipment that uses a radiological element to measure the density of soil and roadway asphalt.

The equipment went missing earlier this week near Littlerock, authorities said.

The device, known as a thin layer density gauge, was last seen in the bed of a marked L.A. County Public Works truck about 4 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 14 as crews worked in the area of 110th Street East and Avenue R-4 in unincorporated L.A. County, spokesman Kerjon Lee said.

It could potentially be hazardous if it is mishandled or damaged, Lee said.

Officials did not say whether they believe the device was stolen or lost.

On Saturday, Public Works officials were continuing to search the area where it was last seen, with help from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lee said. Crews were using drones to conduct aerial searches.

County officials are offering a $1,000 reward for the device’s return.

The device is bright yellow, about 19 inches long, nine inches wide and six inches in height, Lee said. It has a five-inch handle and a radiation logo on its side.

There is no risk to the public so long as the device is used properly, Lee said. However, if it’s mishandled, broken or damaged and someone comes in contact with the radioactive element, “that’s when there could be concern for a health issue,” he said.

“Portable gauges of this type use radiation to measure density – much like a medical X-ray is used to produce the image of bones,” Lee said. “The devices are lined with lead shielding around a sealed source of radiation. The shield is closed when the gauge is not in use.”

Officials ask anyone who thinks they have found the device to call 1-800-675-4357 immediately so a trained person can recover it.