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It's not your typical donation of old pots and ill-fitting clothes: A World War II grenade led to the closure of a thrift store in Chatham-Kent, Ont., Thursday afternoon, police said.
Around 11 a.m., police advised the public via social media that the area around 80 Keil Drive South had been cordoned off for public safety reasons. There is a Value Village consignment store and several other businesses at this address.
Later Thursday, police said officers responded to a report of a “possible explosive device” that had been brought in as a donation.
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Police determined it was a historic World War II grenade and evacuated the store as a precaution.
“Canadian Forces responded to the scene, safely recovered the device and disposed of it in accordance with military protocols,” police said in a statement Thursday evening, adding that there was no ongoing risk.
If you're also cleaning up for the holiday, police remind you to be careful when handing over old memorabilia, especially anything that could be guns, ammunition or explosive devices.
