Troxler Gauge Stolen from Active Construction Site in Vero Beach
A Troxler 3440 moisture density gauge containing Cs-137 and Am-241/Be was stolen from an unsecured construction site in Florida — almost certainly a crime of opportunity targeting what appeared to be expensive technical equipment. Recovery status unknown.
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Date Reported | February 10, 2026 (Event: February 2, 2026) |
| Location | Vero Beach, Florida, USA |
| Incident Type | Theft |
| Source | Cesium-137 and Americium-241/Beryllium (Troxler 3440) |
| Confidence | 5/5 — NRC Event Report |
What Happened
The RSO for a local engineering firm reported that a Troxler model 3440 moisture density gauge was stolen from an active construction site. The incident was immediately escalated to the local Sheriff's office (case 26-12020) and reported to the NRC via the Florida Bureau of Radiation Control. Recovery status remains unknown.
Operational Lessons
Gauge theft remains one of the most statistically persistent vectors for creating orphaned radioactive sources. In virtually all cases, perpetrators target what appears to be expensive technical equipment — not radiological material. The danger arises when thieves realize the true nature of the device. Unable to pawn the conspicuously labeled case, perpetrators frequently abandon gauges in ditches, dumpsters, or wooded areas. Worse, dismantling for lead shielding and steel leads directly to catastrophic smelting scenarios.
The NRC mandates strict adherence to the "two tangible barriers" rule (10 CFR 30.34(i)): portable gauges must be secured by a minimum of two independent physical controls whenever not under constant surveillance. This incident indicates a likely failure in barrier application. RSOs must conduct unannounced field audits to ensure compliance.
Sources
Content produced from Operational Intelligence Report: Radiation Detection, Nuclear Security, and Interdiction (February 14–24, 2026). All articles formatted for radiation-monitor.com CMS publication.