Reported events of stolen radioactive sources in Texas from 1956 to 2000

Incident reports describing stolen source events in Texas from the years 1956 to 2000 were obtained from the Texas Department of Health-Bureau of Radiation Control and recorded into a computerized database using a pre-established set of codes. The data were then analyzed for the identification and characterization of trends. Over the 45-y period of analysis, 113 sources were reported as stolen. The radionuclides most commonly reported in theft events were Am, Cs, and Ir. The proportion of sources including Am as the sole source or Am combined with Be, or as a companion source with Cs, represented 56% of the total reported as stolen. Key risk factors identified as associated with source theft appear to include portability status, transportation status, transporter status, and radionuclide type. Based on the observations noted, suggested improved security measures are postulated including additional permitting controls, enhanced inspections, improved locking and storage procedures, and steps for communication to the public to enhance the prospects for recovery. Suggested enhancements to further improve data collection are proposed so that crime prevention information can be derived in future research.