Wellington Police are reminding members of the public to pick up their bags after an unattended briefcase caused an alert in the central city late this afternoon.
The southern end of Lambton Quay was blocked off to vehicles and pedestrians for about 90 minutes after retailers noticed the briefcase in their shop.
Police including the Specialist Search Group, Fire and Ambulance attended and were in the process of establishing what was in the briefcase when the owner, who had been alerted to the incident by a workmate, realised he had left his bag in the shop.
"It's important in the current climate that people take extra care as unattended items cause alarm to others," Inspector Kevin Riordan, Operational Services Manager, says. "Police have to err on the side of caution in the interests of safety, both for the public and emergency services personnel."
Released by:
Kaye Calder
Wellington Police District communications manager
Tel: 04 496 3464