A Value Village thrift store in Chatham, Ont., had to be shut down temporarily due to the discovery of a Second World War grenade, rather than the usual assortment of donated items like old pans and ill-fitting clothing. The closure occurred on Thursday afternoon after police were alerted around 11 a.m. and cordoned off the area around 80 Keil Drive South for public safety reasons.
Authorities were called to the store later in the day following a report of a potential explosive device included in a donation. Upon inspection, it was confirmed that the item in question was a historic grenade from the Second World War. As a precautionary measure, the store was evacuated, and the police statement released in the evening mentioned that the Canadian Armed Forces safely removed and disposed of the device following military protocols, ensuring there was no ongoing danger.
In light of this incident, law enforcement officials advise the public to be cautious when decluttering and donating items, particularly memorabilia that may include weapons, ammunition, or explosive devices. It serves as a reminder to exercise care during pre-holiday cleaning to prevent such potentially hazardous situations.