Saanich police evacuated the Walmart store at Uptown Friday night due to a bomb threat but did not find any explosive devices after a three hour extensive search that saw the deployment of a specialized explosive disposal team.
Sgt. Damien Kowalewich said that police received reports of a bomb threat at around 8:30 p.m.
The explosive disposal unit from the Greater Victoria Emergency Response Team was deployed in a full search of the store, with Walmart staff assisting.
The store was closed for the rest of the night and police concluded their search at around 11:30 p.m. without discovering any suspicious devices.
“We utilized every available resource we had to ensure that it was investigated to its fullest,” Kowalewich said. “Uptown shopping centre is safe for Saanich residents, all patrons and individuals to visit. It’s open for business.”
Patrol officers are investigating who might be responsible for the bomb threat to bring them to justice, he said.
Kowalewich did not say whether the bomb threat was made to Saanich police or the Walmart store.
“Investigations are complex, and some information is better kept housed with us for the moment. I expect more details could be released should criminal charges be proposed,” he said.
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