Unexploded Ordnance Discovered in Thrift Store Donation Bin
A routine day at a Chatham, Ontario Value Village turned into a scene of high alert on Thursday, November 20, 2025, after an employee made a startling discovery. An old, potentially live grenade was found inside a donation bin, immediately triggering an emergency protocol.
The store, located in the heart of the city, was swiftly evacuated to ensure the safety of customers and staff. Police were called to the scene to secure the area and investigate the dangerous item.
Police Secure Area and Launch Investigation
Upon arrival, Chatham police cordoned off the section of the store and parking lot surrounding the donation bin. The discovery forced the complete shutdown of the retail location for several hours as emergency crews assessed the situation.
Specialist units were dispatched to handle the unexploded ordnance. The primary focus was on safely removing the device and determining whether it was a live explosive or an inert replica. An investigation is now underway to trace the origin of the grenade and how it ended up among charitable donations.
Community Safety and Important Reminders
This alarming incident serves as a critical reminder to the public about the proper disposal of military and potentially hazardous items. Donation bins are intended for clothing, household goods, and other safe items, not for ordnance, weapons, or other dangerous materials.
Authorities emphasize that items like grenades, ammunition, or explosives should be reported directly to the police for safe handling. The swift action by Value Village staff and the Chatham police ensured that a potentially tragic situation was averted, with no injuries reported.
