At 10.30 am on Monday 9 August 2010, police received information of a suspect package sitting on the ground, underneath the bus shelter seat adjacent to 60 Liverpool Street, Hobart. The package was a yellow coloured plastic container measuring 8cm x 4cm x 3cm which had a number of wires coming from the interior and connected to 3 ‘AAA’ batteries.

Hobart Police attended the scene and confirmed the location and description of the package. As a result, Liverpool Street, between Argyle Street and Elizabeth Street, was initially closed to both vehicle and pedestrian traffic, and 13 business premises in this area evacuated. A traffic management plan was implemented directing traffic away from the area as a precautionary strategy.

The package was examined by the Bomb Response Group and a member wearing an Explosive Ordinance Detonation (EOD) suit was able to approach the package and obtain an x-ray image of the article. The x-ray identified the inside of the package containing a small speaker, wires leading from the speaker and being connected to the batteries. The package did not contain any other articles such as a switch or detonator, etc.

After the scene was determined to be safe the package was forensically examined at the scene and it has been conveyed to Forensic Services for full analysis.

The situation has been categorised by police as a credible hoax at this time. Whilst there were no previous warnings, threats or calls relating to any suspect device in this area police would like to hear from anyone who may be able to provide further assistance in being able to identify the owner of the package, or the reason the package was left at this location.

Members of the public are requested to contact Crime Stoppers on telephone 1800 333 000 if they have any information which may identify the person(s) responsible for this disruption to the city.

Tasmania Police Media and Marketing Services
(03) 6230 2296