Saanich police say a heightened public awareness of pressure cookers modified as explosive devices resulted in panic from one Saanich resident last week.
Police were called to the 4000-block of Corners Pl. around 3 p.m. on July 30 by a resident who saw that a pressure cooker had been put out with a neighbour's recycling.
"We were able to track down the owners of the property, who confirmed it was an old pressure cooker they were no longer needing," said Sgt. Steve Eassie.
"I think given the recent history with what happened in Boston and at the B.C. legislature on Canada Day, this was a warranted phone call. Obviously this person had concern the pressure cooker may have been used for a nefarious purpose.
"From a public safety standpoint we don't mind coming to have a look at the device," he said.
Pressure cookers are sealed container used to cook food using steam pressure.
kslavin@saanichnews.com