Courier Envelopes, petroleum-type fluid

Improvised Explosive Devices showing up in Toronto

By Judi McLeod

Tuesday, August 21, 2007

Toronto has become a target of improvised explosive devices--in military lingo (IEDs).

At 4:53 p.m., today the Toronto Police Services issued a public safety alert intended to warn Toronto citizens about the incidents of IEDs in package form.

"It is reported that:

On Saturday, August 11, 2007, at about 9 p.m., an envelope was found at a home in the Victoria Park Avenue/Lawrence Avenue East area," (Toronto Police Service, Aug. 21, 2007). "When the envelope was opened, it exploded. The victim sustained injuries to his hands.

"It is also reported that:

"On Sunday, August 19, 2007, at about 3 p.m., an envelope was found at a home in the Yonge Street/Sheppard Avenue West area.

"The envelope had a petroleum-type odour. Police were called and the envelope was safely detonated."

Both packages were 8 ?" x 11", plastic, bubble-wrapped envelopes with properly-addressed courier receipts attached. They contained petroleum-type fluid.

Members of the public should exercise caution with unexpected packages or envelopes and should contact police if they are suspicious of the contents.

WARNING: envelopes and packages should not be handled or moved.

Anyone with information that may assist Toronto police with their investigation is asked to contact 416-808-3638. Crime Stoppers can be reached--anonymously--by calling 416-222-TIPS,