"Stevenage bomb scare: Small explosion heard after bomb squad attend suspicious ‘coffee cup’ device found"
http://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage-bomb-scare-small-explosion-heard-after-bomb-squad-attend-suspicious-coffee-cup-device-found-near-tk-maxx-1-5211919
From the photos it looks to me like it is a temperature sensor wired to a transmitter or microcontroller attached to the cup, probably a temperature monitor or datalogger.
Most likely a STEM project or science experiment which has fallen out of a student's bag or got left behind.
So really just a timely reminder that if anyone is involved in such things, are carrying or using electronics which others may see as somewhat suspicious in public it's best to be careful and take precautions against losing them, leaving them behind or having them misinterpreted. If only to avoid someone taking them away and blowing them up!
Writing "not a bomb" on it will probably only increase suspicions but a clearly visible contact name, address, telephone number and an explanation as to what it is probably helps, both in keeping it safe and letting the authorities resolve any incident speedily and with minimum fuss. "Documents enclosed" envelopes ( like for parking tickets ) can hold more detail and are usually easy to attach. Being brightly coloured probably helps it being seen as not deliberately being hidden.
I would recommend attaching a lanyard with a clip to things which might get lost, then they can be clipped to a bag or its zip so there's less chance of losing it. Best advice is to not let things out of your sight; then you will always be there to explain things if needs arise.
If doing experiments in public it may be best to advise the local police or community support officers just in case something accidentally gets left behind or it raises suspicions.
As always; have fun, but take care.
http://www.thecomet.net/news/stevenage-bomb-scare-small-explosion-heard-after-bomb-squad-attend-suspicious-coffee-cup-device-found-near-tk-maxx-1-5211919
From the photos it looks to me like it is a temperature sensor wired to a transmitter or microcontroller attached to the cup, probably a temperature monitor or datalogger.
Most likely a STEM project or science experiment which has fallen out of a student's bag or got left behind.
So really just a timely reminder that if anyone is involved in such things, are carrying or using electronics which others may see as somewhat suspicious in public it's best to be careful and take precautions against losing them, leaving them behind or having them misinterpreted. If only to avoid someone taking them away and blowing them up!
Writing "not a bomb" on it will probably only increase suspicions but a clearly visible contact name, address, telephone number and an explanation as to what it is probably helps, both in keeping it safe and letting the authorities resolve any incident speedily and with minimum fuss. "Documents enclosed" envelopes ( like for parking tickets ) can hold more detail and are usually easy to attach. Being brightly coloured probably helps it being seen as not deliberately being hidden.
I would recommend attaching a lanyard with a clip to things which might get lost, then they can be clipped to a bag or its zip so there's less chance of losing it. Best advice is to not let things out of your sight; then you will always be there to explain things if needs arise.
If doing experiments in public it may be best to advise the local police or community support officers just in case something accidentally gets left behind or it raises suspicions.
As always; have fun, but take care.