Police have given the all-clear after an "explosive" device found near a Toowoomba bottle shop prompted an emergency declaration, with several streets in the Darling Downs city cordoned off.

A delivery driver alerted police about 5:30am (AEST).

Several streets were closed near the Wilsonton Heights shopping centre in the city's north.

Surrounding businesses, a childcare centre and several homes were evacuated as a precaution.

Residents had been allowed to come and go but were told to stay indoors as much as possible.

Police declared the area safe about 9:45am.

Inspector Mike Curtin said the device had been located at the intersection of Tor and Hogg streets.

"It was definitely a device of a suspicious nature - we had to treat it that way for community safety purposes," he said.

"As a result, we contacted our specialist services people in Brisbane who have attended the scene here and neutralised the device.

"The device was definitely of an explosive-type nature in its appearance ... and we treated it accordingly."

Police would 'rather be safe than sorry'

Inspector Curtin urged anyone with further information about the device to contact police.

"It is hard to say whether it was maliciously made or conveyed," he said.

"Our CIB people and criminal investigation people will be addressing that issue as part of their enquiries in relation to this matter.

"We have made some enquiries and ascertained that the device was there late yesterday afternoon and only reported to police early this morning.

"We like to be safe and sure about these incidents, and as a result we declared the emergent situation here today, placed cordons on the scene, made sure things were safe.

"Other people may have seen these items and may not have considered them suspicious in nature ... but Queensland Police Service would rather be safe than sorry."