Port of Halifax theft raises security concerns

[BEER980]

May 26, 2004

Port of Halifax theft raises security concerns

HALIFAX (CP) - Security at the Port of Halifax is being questioned following the theft of a 13-metre-long cargo container about a month ago.

"Halifax Regional Police is investigating the theft of the container that occurred at the Ceres Terminal some time between April 10 and April 20 of this year," Sgt. Don Spicer said on Wednesday. The theft was revealed to police just days before the federal government announced its $650-million national security plan for the second time, but wasn't reported to the public until now.

"Obviously a missing container isn't a common occurrence," said Michele Peverill, spokeswoman for the Halifax Port Authority. "It's a serious matter for everyone who's involved." Trucks must pass through two security gates to get in and out of the terminal. A crane is used to move containers on and off trucks and boats.

Stealing a large container would be no easy task and could likely not be accomplished alone. "We don't have the all the answers yet as to what has happened and what needs to be put in place to address that issue," Peverill said. "So at this point, it's early to know what has happened."

Neither the port authority nor police would say where the container originated, which shipping line transported it, or what was inside. News of the theft comes at a time when the United States is warning of a possible terrorist attack on U.S. soil this summer. Senator Colin Kenny, chairman of a Senate committee on national security, said he wasn't surprised by this breach. "I would be surprised if that was the only container stolen this month in ports in Canada or in ports in the United States," he said.

Senator, is there something else you want to tell us about?


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