A nuclear-powered surface gauge used for soil testing could prove dangerous if whoever stole it tinkers with it and opens it up, Manteca Police warned Tuesday.

The “Nuclear Densometer,” valued between $10,000 and $15,000, was taken in a theft from the bed of a pickup truck parked in the 800 block of Nevada Street between 6 p.m. Monday and 6 a.m. Tuesday. It is said to be radioactive.

The gauge is enclosed in a yellow box three feet wide by two feet deep with handles and latches and is marked with radioactive symbols.

Also taken in the theft were a $2,200 electronic scale and a gray box containing a $600 air meter.

Anyone with information that can assist in the recovery of the Densometer is urged to contact the South County Crime Stoppers at (209) 812-4636 or the Manteca Police Department at 456-8101, attention Officer John Machado.