Interesting security report from CP Police about geocaching

January 16, 2009

I received an interesting security alert from CP Police about Geocaching. I have uploaded the report here:

-link removed-

Have a look, it's an interesting report - especially the parts about detonating the 'device' and potential trespassing charges.

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Edit: decided to put the full text in the OP (after my rapidshare folly, many apologies)

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Crime Prevention & Safety Bulletin

14 January 2009

Workplace Security Awareness Report

PLEASE BE ADVISED – The CP Police Service has received an awareness report from Transport Canada relating to Geocaching. The report, reprinted below, provides information about the activity and its potential impact on railway operations.

The following information is reprinted with permission of Transport Canada.

This report discusses the real and potential security implications that “geocaching” could have on transportation in Canada, and describes the suspicious incidents already caused by the device and the resulting disruptions in the surface modes.

One such incident (described in this report) occurred on CP property near Winnipeg, MB in September 2008.

What is geocaching?

Geocaching is an outdoor activity that is an adventure based game similar to a treasure hunt. The goal of the activity is to find a hidden container known as a cache or geocache using Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. Individuals who practice this activity (generally referred to as cachers or geocachers) place a cache in an urban or wilderness location and post the cache’s latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates on the Internet. Other geocachers then use their GPS devices to download the coordinates and cache descriptions from the Internet in order to find the caches. Once the participant has found the cache, they log their findings on the Internet.

Today, over 650,000 geocaches are registered on various websites in over 200 countries around the world, with more than 30,000 in Canada alone. Although developed as a recreational activity or hobby there have been numerous security implications where they were mistaken for terrorist bombs.

Types of Caches

Many different types of “caches” exist; size and contents vary. Smaller caches can be the size of a 35mm film container, and contain only a logbook and pencil to register who finds it and when. Other caches can be the size of large buckets or plastic containers (like Tupperware) with several items inside such as CDs, money, books, maps or other trinkets. When one finds a cache, the cacher would typically enter their personal details in the logbook, and if they remove an item from the cache they are expected to leave something of equal or greater value.

Geocache samples:

Security Incidents in Canada

Two security incidents implicating rail and transit involving “geocaches” have occurred in Canada. In both instances geocaches were mistaken for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs).

On July 23, 2008 this game was blamed for a bomb scare that resulted in a four-hour closure of a major Ottawa street and tied up numerous emergency service personnel, including a HAZMAT team and the Bomb Disposal Unit. The scare was prompted by the discovery of a suspicious package placed under a Transitway near Hurdman station, a major hub for OC Transpo’s bus system. The police investigation revealed that the device was a “geocache” and not a terrorist bomb; however, it did result in significant bus traffic delays and rescheduling problems. (See photos below)

On September 23, 2008 a suspicious device described as being the size of a coffee thermos wrapped in green duck tape was found placed under the steel girder of a railway bridge in a rural area near Winnipeg, Manitoba. CP Rail Police closed the tracks for two hours while RCMP Explosives Unit detonated the device, which turned out to be a geocache. Although there was little or no impact on railway operations, a 17-year old youth has been identified and may be charged with trespassing.

Transportation Implications

So far in Canada only the rail and transit modes have been affected by geocaches, because of their relative ease of accessibility; however, marine and aviation modes are also susceptible. To avoid geocaches from being mistaken for an IED, organizers have:

• promoted the use of stickers (as illustrated), and, transparent containers so that the contents can be clearly seen.

• developed a “code of conduct” or the following guidelines in an effort to avoid causing disruptions or public alarm:

1. Don’t place a cache near schools or government buildings unless the administration and staff are fully aware of the placement,

2. Don’t place a cache near critical infrastructure that might be considered a terrorist target

3. Don’t create a cache that could be mistaken for a terrorist device (e.g. a pipe bomb).

Approximately one dozen incidents involving geocaching have taken place in the United States (U.S.) notwithstanding these guidelines. Public safety resources were deployed because these devices were put in vulnerable locations, which, tied up emergency personnel and equipment for long periods of time thus putting other communities at risk. Although, according to the Federal Railroad Association (FRA) and the American Association of Railroads (AAR) there have been no reported incidents involving geocaches affecting transportation modes in the U.S., as geocaching increases in popularity additional disruptions may occur affecting transportation.

Terrorist use of Geocaching – Although terrorists could use caches to conceal an IED, there has been no attack in the past using this methodology or intelligence suggesting that this might occur. Security officials can generally rule out the possibility that a suspicious package found in a tunnel, building, subway or train, is a geocache given that they cannot be located using GPS in these enclosed areas. Consequently, if you are not informed, as suggested above, by geocachers then treat it as a suspicious package.

Recommendations

A suspected geocache should be handled the same way as any other suspicious object found on CP property:

• DO NOT TOUCH IT.

• DO NOT USE YOUR RADIO OR CELLULAR PHONE unless at a safe distance of at least 300 feet away from the object.

• Attempt to determine if an employee or passenger in the immediate area has any knowledge of the item.

• If the item is a package or letter do not open it.

If ownership of the suspicious item is not established:

• Isolate the area by preventing further access.

• Notify the NMC/OC in the case of an incident involving a train.

• Report the incident to the CP Police at 1-800-716-9132 and describe:

o What the object looks like;

o Its size and location it was found;

o Why it is considered suspicious;

o Any unusual odors, smells, vapor, or sounds coming from the object; and

o The name, employee number and occupation of the finder.

• Follow instructions provided by the CP Police Officer-In-Charge.

For further information about dealing with this or other security issues, contact the CP Police Service at 1-800-716-9132.

Edited January 16, 2009 by arkoc

19k · January 16, 2009

I received an interesting security alert from CP Police about Geocaching. I have uploaded the report here:

http://rapidshare.com/files/184532505/Secu...__2009.doc.html

Have a look, it's an interesting report - especially the parts about detonating the 'device' and potential trespassing charges.

I'd love to see it, but I'm not going to bother with Rapidshare. Can't you post it here?

January 16, 2009

I received an interesting security alert from CP Police about Geocaching. I have uploaded the report here:

http://rapidshare.com/files/184532505/Secu...__2009.doc.html

Have a look, it's an interesting report - especially the parts about detonating the 'device' and potential trespassing charges.

Not sure what you wanted to show us, but that doesn't have anything to do with geocaching.

19k · January 16, 2009

... and what's with the Sock Puppet account, anyway?

January 16, 2009

I sure wouldn't click on that, smells fishy to me. :angry:

January 16, 2009

Here is the text, sans pictures. Rapidshare was a bad choice. Can you recommend another place for short term file hosting?