Canberra Police Investigate Multiple Explosive Device Incidents Across City
Police in Canberra have reported and investigated multiple incidents involving explosive devices found in public areas across the city since December. These incidents include the discovery of 15 pipe bombs near Lake Ginninderra in January, leading to charges against one man, and separate occurrences in Duffy and Holder Oval.
Authorities have consistently advised the public on safety measures and are conducting ongoing investigations into the various findings.
Belconnen: 15 Pipe Bombs Found, Man Charged
Between January 13 and 15, ACT Policing located a total of 15 explosive devices, identified as pipe bombs, along footpaths and public areas near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen. The discoveries were made between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive in Canberra's north-west. The first 11 devices were found on January 13 and 14, with an additional four located on January 15.
Images released by police depicted silver, pipe-shaped objects with screw tops, sized to fit in a person's hand. Some of the devices had detonated before discovery, while others were later detonated by police. No injuries or property damage were reported in connection with these incidents.
Following an investigation, a 41-year-old man, Damien Paul O'Brien, was arrested in connection with the alleged manufacturing of the pipe bombs. Police allege Mr. O'Brien purchased and stole materials from a local hardware store for the purpose of creating the devices. A search of his Belconnen residence reportedly uncovered items consistent with pipe bomb assembly.
Mr. O'Brien was charged with unauthorized manufacture of a prohibited dangerous substance, possessing a prohibited weapon, and theft. He has pleaded not guilty to the charge of unauthorized manufacture of a prohibited dangerous substance and has not yet entered pleas for the other charges. He remains in custody, and the matter is scheduled to return to the ACT Magistrates Court on March 24.
Police stated that the man was known to them and is believed to have acted alone. They also indicated that the incident is not being treated as an act of terrorism and expressed confidence that all placed devices had been located.
Other Incidents: Duffy and Holder Oval
Duffy Incidents:
Between December 15 and January 15, ACT Policing received four reports of explosive devices in the vicinity of Tantangara Street in Duffy, south Canberra. These devices were rendered safe and seized by police. Inquiries into their source are ongoing, with no immediate indication linking them to the Belconnen discoveries.
Holder Oval Detonation:
On February 15, ACT Policing investigated the detonation of a homemade explosive device at Holder Oval in south Canberra. Police responded to multiple reports of a loud explosion around 5:00 AM. A suspicious item, approximately 15 centimeters long, was found on the oval later that morning by a member of the public.
The bomb team examined the item, and forensics seized it for further examination. Police believe the device was homemade. Authorities do not believe this incident is linked to the 15 explosive devices found near Lake Ginninderra in January. Detective Inspector Donna Hoffmeier stated that the Duffy incidents are also under investigation for a potential connection to the Holder incident.
Public Safety Advisory
Throughout these investigations, ACT Policing has issued consistent public warnings:
- Individuals are advised not to touch any suspicious items found in public areas.
- Anyone locating such objects is instructed to contact Triple Zero (000) immediately.
- Witnesses to suspicious behavior are urged to contact police at 131 444.
- Authorities have stated there are no general concerns requiring people to avoid the broader areas where devices were found, but the advice to report suspicious findings remains.
Police have emphasized the inherent danger of any explosive device and the seriousness of leaving such items in public spaces.