Police raid a 41-year-old man’s home in Belconnen over the discovery of pipe bombs in the community. Photo: ACT Policing.
UPDATE, 3 pm: The items allegedly used to make the 15 pipe bombs found across Belconnen were stolen from the suburb’s Bunnings hardware store, police say.
Speaking to media on Sunday (18 January), ACT Policing Detective Sergeant Samuel Harris said the person alleged to have stolen these items used to make the bombs, a 41-year-old man who was arrested this weekend, was known to police.
“Police do not believe the incident to be terrorism related,” he said.
“At this time we haven’t identified any motivation, but we are confident it’s not related to terrorism.”
Detective Sergeant Harris said it was both police work and assistance from the community that led to the 41-year-old man’s arrest.
He said police would allege this man acted alone when creating the pipe bombs then leaving them around the community, but their investigation was ongoing and further charges could be laid.
The detective sergeant also said police had found both detonated and undetonated pipe bombs.
“We’ve done an extensive search of the area and we’re confident we’ve located all the ones that have been placed outside,” he said.
But he also said if anyone came across items they suspected of being explosives, then they should not touch the items and contact police.
The man is expected to face court on Monday (19 January).
Police raided a home in Belconnen, where they allegedly found several items consistent with the assembly of pipe bombs. Photo: ACT Policing.
SUNDAY, 18 January, 12 pm: An investigation launched after pipe bombs were found scattered through Belconnen has resulted in the arrest of a man this weekend.
Police said the alleged culprit is expected to face court this coming week and have reassured the community that they do not believe the incident is connected to terrorism.
Fifteen pipe bombs were found in the vicinity of Lake Ginninderra, between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive, in Belconnen last week.
During the investigation, police identified a 41-year-old man as a person of interest.
It will be alleged he purchased and stole items used to create the pipe bombs from a store in Belconnen.
An ACT Policing spokesperson said on Saturday (17 January), officers raided the man’s home in Belconnen.
While he was not there at the time, the officers allegedly found several items that could be linked with the assembly of pipe bombs.
Police then went to a unit in Gungahlin on Saturday night and arrested the man.
He was charged with the unauthorised manufacture of a prohibited dangerous substance, possessing a prohibited weapon and theft.
“Investigations remain ongoing and further charges are expected to be laid,” the police spokesperson said.
“Police do not believe the incident to be terrorism related.”
The man is scheduled to face the ACT Magistrates Court on Monday (19 January).
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