Police in Canberra have confirmed that 11 explosive devices were found near footpaths and greenbelts in Belconnen over two days, prompting public warnings and a large police search while authorities worked to secure the area and identify how the items came to be placed.
ACT Police secure an area near Lake Ginninderra in Belconnen after multiple pipe bombs were found over the past two days. (Source: Chronicle Live)
Devices discovered near Lake Ginninderra
ACT Policing said the items were located around Lake Ginninderra between Joynton Smith Drive and Ginninderra Drive in Canberra’s north-west. Reports began arriving earlier this week after members of the public noticed suspicious objects near walking paths and roadside areas.
One of the 11 pipe bombs discovered along footpaths in Belconnen. Police have urged the public not to touch suspicious items. (Source: 9news)
Officers confirmed that the discoveries covered a stretch of about one kilometre. Some devices were found by residents, while others were detected during police searches of the area. Images released by police showed small pipe-shaped objects lying on grass and pavement.
An alert was issued on Wednesday after the initial discoveries. Police then increased patrols and expanded the search zone to nearby greenbelts and nature strips, where further devices were later found.
Police confirm some devices were already detonated
ACT Policing Detective Acting Inspector Anna Wronski told ABC Radio Canberra that not all of the devices were intact when police located them. She said some had already gone off, while others had not.
She added that no injuries or property damage had been reported. However, she said any explosive device left in a public place posed a serious risk to pedestrians and nearby residents.
Wronski said police were treating the matter with urgency. She also said investigations were continuing as officers worked to determine how the devices were placed along the pathways.
Public urged not to touch suspicious objects
Police have repeatedly warned residents not to approach or handle any suspicious items. Wronski said anyone who finds something that looks like one of the devices should move away and call Triple Zero immediately.
She said police did not want members of the public to pick up items or bring them to police stations. Officers want reports made from a safe distance so trained teams can respond.
ACT Policing also asked people to report any suspicious behaviour to 131 444. That number is being used to collect information related to possible sightings near the affected area.
Images and updates shared as search continues
ACT Policing released photos of the devices to help the public recognise them. The images showed grey, cylindrical objects with screw-type ends, lying on outdoor surfaces.
The photos were shared across official police channels and reposted on X, where several users said they had seen police vehicles and officers near Lake Ginninderra. Some posts showed sniffer dogs working through grassed areas.
One widely shared tweet showed officers moving along a pathway with dogs and specialist equipment. The post said police were checking each section of the area where devices had been found.
Area remains open as police continue checks
Despite the discoveries, police said there was no requirement for residents to avoid the Lake Ginninderra area. Wronski said officers had not ordered closures of nearby paths or roads.
She added that police had not received information suggesting similar devices had been found elsewhere in Canberra. However, officers continued to patrol surrounding suburbs as a precaution.
Police said the search effort would continue while investigators reviewed reports and examined the locations where the devices were found. The goal is to ensure no other items remain in public areas.
Authorities rule out terrorism at this stage
Wronski said police were not treating the case as a terrorism-related incident. She also said it would be inappropriate to comment on any possible motive while the investigation remains active.
She confirmed that the devices appeared to have been left along paths and greenbelts rather than near buildings or major facilities. No damage to nearby property has been reported.
Another update from ACT Policing said some of the devices appeared to have been triggered where they were found. Others were recovered in a partly damaged state, while several were intact.
Public cooperation remains central to investigation
Police said community reports played a role in the discovery of several devices. Members of the public contacted authorities after noticing unusual objects near walking tracks and roadside areas.
Officers then searched nearby sections and located further items. That approach led to the total count reaching 11 across the Belconnen area.
ACT Policing said this type of cooperation helps reduce risks to residents and speeds up response times. Officers asked people to remain alert during daily activities near Lake Ginninderra.
Search operations include specialist resources
Police deployed sniffer dogs to assist with the search for additional devices. The dogs were used to sweep greenbelts, footpaths, and roadside strips near where the items were first reported.
Footage shared by ABC News showed dogs and handlers moving through grassy sections near the lake. Officers were also seen marking locations where items had been located.
ACT Policing said the use of specialist resources was aimed at ensuring no devices were missed. The search teams focused on areas that receive regular foot traffic from walkers and cyclists.
Ongoing updates issued to keep residents informed
Police have been issuing updates through media briefings and official statements. These messages repeat advice on how to respond if a suspicious object is found.
One update said the discoveries had not led to injuries or property damage. It also said there was no current information pointing to devices in other parts of Canberra.
Residents were encouraged to stay aware of their surroundings. Police said any further updates would be shared as the investigation progresses.
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Focus remains on safety and reporting
ACT Policing said public safety remains the priority while inquiries continue. Officers said the devices, whether intact or already activated, were unsafe to approach.
The police message has been consistent across all platforms. Anyone who sees something that resembles the devices should leave the area and contact Triple Zero.
As officers continue their work around Lake Ginninderra, police said they will keep the public informed and respond quickly to any new reports.
