Australian Federal Police have launched a major investigation after the alarming discovery of eleven pipe bombs near popular walking routes and parkland in Canberra.
Devices Scattered Along Lake Ginninderra
The incident unfolded over two days in the Belconnen suburb, located in the northwest of the national capital. According to police reports, the devices were recovered along a one-kilometre stretch of land near Lake Ginninderra. The pipe bombs were found on footpaths and in green spaces between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive.
Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski confirmed that the first report came from a member of the public on 13 January 2026, with further calls received the following day. Specialist bomb disposal teams were deployed on both occasions to safely destroy the hazardous items.
Partially Detonated Devices Raise Questions
Authorities revealed a concerning detail: some of the improvised explosive devices had been detonated prior to their discovery. "A number of the devices have been located intact and a number have been located partially destroyed," Inspector Wronski stated. Investigators are currently unable to determine how some of the bombs exploded or precisely how long they had been in place.
Forensic officers, detectives, and sniffer dogs conducted a meticulous search of the affected area, measuring sites and gathering evidence. Images released by ACT Policing showed silver or grey cylindrical objects, small enough to be held in one hand, featuring screw caps at both ends. One photograph appeared to show a fuse protruding from a cap.
Public Urged to Exercise Extreme Caution
Despite the unsettling find, police have confirmed that no injuries or property damage have been linked to the devices. Crucially, authorities have stated the incident is not being treated as terrorism, and there is no indication similar devices have been planted elsewhere in Canberra.
However, police have issued a stern warning to residents. "Absolutely it is an explosive, so we do not want members of the public to pick them up," Inspector Wronski emphasised. The public is instructed not to touch any suspicious items or bring them to police stations, but to call the emergency number 000 immediately.
The investigation remains active, with officers working to establish the origin of the bombs and identify those responsible. "An explosive in a public place does raise a lot of concern for police," Inspector Wronski concluded.
