Three instruments containing radioactive material were stolen from a factory warehouse, leading to a "blanket search" of Meizhou to recover the items, reports Guangzhou Daily.

Gauges containing Cesium-137 were found missing from a cement factory on August 30.

Police launched a thorough search of rubbish collection stations, rented housing units and local rivers. One of the stolen gauges has been found in a rented flat.

A 10,000-yuan (US$1,200) reward is being offered for information leading to the recovery of the missing gauges.

Exposure to Cesium-137 radiation increases the risk of cancer in humans.

But authorities said the stolen gauges contain relatively small amounts of the substance and as long as the thief does not force open the gauges, there is no cause for concern.

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