By GEORGIA WESTGARTH
POLICE have confirmed a case left in the gutter outside Cranbourne Centrelink is not explosive.
Senior Sergeant Daniel Baynes told Star News at the scene that the case was filled with “personal items”, and reports from onlookers speculate the contents may be a form of money.
Sen Sgt Baynes said the incident was definitely not terrorism related.
“Due to its location and the fact we can’t locate the owner, it’s a safety first approach,” Sen Sgt Baynes said.
Cranbourne police were alerted to the small black package about 10.30am on Tuesday 5 April by a Centrelink security guard.
Close to 100 staff from Centrelink and neighbouring firm, Waters Lawyers, were evacuated and police cordoned off the street between Sladen and Childers streets.
Dozens of onlookers watched as the police Bomb Response Unit suited up and used a robot to pick up and assess the case.
The operation was shut down about 1pm and streets opened to residents and car owners who had waited nearby for more than two hours.
See a bomb disposal officer inspect the suspicious package.