A postman in Bartoszyce discovered a mortar shell in a boot and alerted police after taking a photo, prompting an investigation.
Postman Reports Suspicious Find
On Thursday, February 5, a postman visited the Bartoszyce police station before 5 PM, showing officers a photo he took on a home’s porch during his work.
Mortar Shell Found in Boot, Man Intended as Decoration
Police responded to the address and found a mortar shell stuck in a boot on the porch. The 47-year-old man had found the object resembling an unexploded ordnance in the forest during mushroom picking in autumn and brought it home. He initially kept it under the TV and later moved it to the porch, planning to “restore” and paint it as a decoration.
Man Faces Up to 8 Years in Prison
Pyrotechnics confirmed it was a “mortar shell with a time fuse.” While no evacuation was needed, experts warned it could be dangerous if mishandled. An investigation will determine if the shell posed a threat; if so, the man faces up to 8 years in prison for illegal storage of explosives.
What to Do If You Find an Unexploded Ordnance
The Ministry of Internal Affairs reminds that military explosives are weather-resistant and remain dangerous regardless of age. If found, do not touch it and immediately contact authorities.