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JANUARY 1992, VOLUME 7, NO.1 MAILBOX BOMBS It seems there is a new sport aboard in the land; one which is gaining adherents who are perhaps not thinking too well and therefore are in need of some counseling. I am talking about the appearance in the suburban area of the "pop bottle bombs" that are showing up in mailboxes in an alarming degree. Ramsey has had several go off inside the mailboxes and four have been detonated with percussion by the Fire Department (that is, four as of this date, 1-3-92). I am not going to go into detail about their construction for fear of spreading the word about how to make them. However, I feel that at least some information must, reluctantly, be given in order for parents and other concerned persons to be able to observe signs that someone they know is making the devices. Besides, I would be extremely naive to think that the underground jungle drums aren't already pounding out the formula to all who want to listen. In fact, that is why this is being written; to perhaps counter somewhat the effect of those drums. Please listen! ~hese devices are constructed of a glass pop bottle (the shorter, fat ones; not the tall, heavy ,-,l), aluminum foil or other aluminum pieces and, usually, drain cleaner. That is enough detail for this article. They are placed into a mailbox and can go off from almost immediately to who knows when. Usually it takes about five to eight minutes; however, this can vary widely when different ratios of mixtures are used or the temperature is colder. I suspect that some of the ones in Ramsey were placed several hours before they were discovered. The "bomb" will unfold a mailbox, blowing out the solid end and scattering glass fragments for a long distance. There is also the potential for an acid spray as well as concussion injuries. A woman in Coon Rapids received severe lacerations on her legs when one went off that she had retrieved from her mailbox after she saw some young males doing something at the location. Fortunately, she had a newspaper in her hand and it shielded her face and throat from the blast. Young ones, these aren't funny and the excitement gained from them isn't at all worth the tragedy that can result. If you have no concern at all for anybody other than yourself, then at least consider the fact that these little "toys" can explode almost immediately after the elements are combined, meaning you may lose your fingers and eyes before you get a chance to put it down. These are not like M-80's or pipe bombs in that they don't have a fuse that gives a relatively well known time period from lighting it to detonation. At least when firecrackers are placed in a mailbox you can expect them to explode within ten seconds or less and if they don't go off, in all likelihood, won't ever do so and a person later opening the mailbox will only find a dud cracker. With the bottle bombs, there is every chance of a delay long enough for some innocent person to come out to check the mail or be delivering it and be met with a shower of acid and glass. For those of you who do care about anyone, picture in your minds the face of your brother or sister, father or mother moments after being hit with the explosion of glass! No kids, this isn't at all a ha-ha. Let's stop it ,r;here before someone is hurt or killed and then we have to listen to the weeping and wailing of ~'fperson who did it and "didn't realize" what could happen. On the technical side, the placing of these devices in mailboxes is a Federal offense as well as a State crime. The postal inspectors will see to it that prosecution takes place when a person is found doing this. They have authorized a reward to be paid for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any person placing bottle bombs or other devices in mailboxes. If anybody out there has information about the recent rash of activity, please don't hesitate to call the Police and talk to us. Our number is 427- 6812. If it is after hours call 911 and we'll get in touch with you. Parents: If you see a collection of torn up foil in your kid's room or car, along with glass pop bottles and a jug of drain cleaner (in rare cases, dry ice is used) confront them about it. Kids: If there is someone you know who is doing this, talk to them and try to get them to quit. Like I said, it could be someone you love who opens that mailbox door only to have a wonderful future destroyed. If the person you talk to won't stop, then please consider letting your parents, school liaison officer or police know about what's going on. PLEASE HELP US PUT A STOP TO THIS. INSIDE February Meetings .................................2 What's Happening..................................2 CDBG Public Hearing ............................3 Working FamilyTax Credit.....................3 Commission Vacancies..........................3 Mediation Services.................................3 Lord of Life Church ................................4 Cross of Hope Church ...........................4 Home Economics Scholarship ...............4 Anoka Co. Humane Society...................4 DAR.E. in 1992? ..................................5 Ramsey Seniors.....................................5 Recreation & Natural Resources ...........6 Phone Book Recovery...........................6 Precycling and Recycling.......................? Home Ice Dam Problem.........................8