WWII Grenade Found in Thrift Store Donation Bin

A thrift store in Canada experienced a moment of panic when staff discovered a WWII-era hand grenade in their donation bin.

Discovery and Response

The Abbotsford Police Department received a 911 call from the store’s staff, prompting them to evacuate the premises and nearby businesses as a precautionary measure. The store was identified as part of the Value Village thrift store chain by CTV News.

Police Intervention

Law enforcement officers collaborated with an explosives disposal unit to safely remove the grenade, later confirming it to be a decommissioned WWII-era Mills grenade.

Explanation from Donor

The individual who donated the grenade, whose identity was not disclosed by CTV News, informed the police that they had been using the grenade as a paperweight and mistakenly included it in their donation.

Police Statement

The Abbotsford Police Department commented on the incident, emphasizing the unpredictable nature of thrift store finds and highlighting the need for caution in handling such items.

Previous Incidents

This incident is not isolated, as similar occurrences have been reported in the past. In February 2022, a thrift store in Oregon discovered a hand grenade in a box of donated items. The store promptly alerted the police, who safely disposed of the device. However, the donor remained unidentified.

Response from Value Village

Representatives from Value Village, the thrift store chain involved in the recent incident, have not yet provided a comment on the matter.

As thrift stores continue to serve as venues for both donations and unexpected discoveries, incidents like these underscore the importance of vigilance and proper handling protocols to ensure the safety of store staff and customers alike.