What should you do if you notice someone tampering with UXO?

If you notice someone tampering with unexploded ordnance (UXO), the appropriate action is to immediately report it to authorities without confronting the individual. This response is critical for several reasons.

First and foremost, UXO is highly dangerous, and tampering can lead to accidental detonation, which poses a significant risk not only to the individual involved but also to bystanders and nearby property. By not confronting the individual, you minimize the risk of escalating a potentially volatile situation.

Additionally, reporting the incident to the authorities ensures that trained professionals can address the situation safely. They have the expertise and resources necessary to handle UXO safely, conduct an assessment, and take appropriate action, which may involve securing the area and rendering the ordnance safe.

Other actions, such as confronting the individual, could endanger both you and others, while ignoring the situation fails to address the potential hazards associated with UXO. Capturing photographic evidence may be useful, but it does not take immediate steps to prevent possible danger. Therefore, prompt reporting to the proper authorities is the safest and most responsible course of action in such situations.