Recognition of Suspect Letters and Packages

Pointers to look for in determining whether a postal package is suspected include:
1. Point of origin: i.e. from postmark or name of sender, if given. If from an unusual point of origin or sender - treat as suspect.
2. Manuscript of sender: If this indicates, for example, a foreign style of writing, and if such is not usually received - treat as suspect.
3. Balance: If the package or letter is lopsided - treat as suspect.
4. Weight: If there seems to be excessive weight for size - treat as suspect
5. Protruding wires: (even well prepared devices can come adrift in transit) - treat as suspect
6. A small hole: (like a pin hole) in the package wrapping or the envelope - treat as suspect
7. Grease marks on the package wrapping: (possibly caused by the 'sweating' of an explosive) - treat as suspect
8. A smell like that of almonds or marzipan - treat as suspect
9. Contents: If the appearance suggests a book (unless it's receipt is totally expected) - treat as suspect. DO NOT PRESS.
10. Flap of envelope: Usually there is a portion on the flap of the envelope which is ungummed. If the flap is stuck down completely - treat as suspect.

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Additionally, in the case of a letter:

The feel: (BUT DO NOT PRESS) will indicate whether there is only folded paper inside the envelope (indicating that the contents are not dangerous), or if there is either, stiffening by, for example, cards or the feel of metal. In the latter cases - treat as suspect.
A letter usually weighs up to 28 grams. An effective postal bomb weighs at least 56 grams: it therefore needs more than the usual value of stamps for it's size, and is unusually thick for a letter, being at least 5mm. On receipt of a
letter with these indications - treat as suspect.
If, on opening an envelope, there is an additional inner envelope, and, it is tightly taped or tied with string - treat as suspect.
Or
It is personally addressed - the letter should be scrutinized again for signs of any of the pointers in this and the above paragraphs.
DO NOT USE AEROSOL SPRAYS IN AN ATTEMPT TO EXAMINE THE CONTENTS OF A LETTER.

Action on receipt of a Suspicious Package

If the sender's name and address is given, he should be asked to confirm his dispatch of the letter or package concerned, and to validate it's contents. If such information is not available then:
1. Place the package on the nearest horizontal firm surface.
2. Leave the room, closing the door behind you. If it is possible to open the windows of the room before you leave, do so.
3. Prevent other persons entering into the room. Lock the door if possible.
4. Call the police or the security officer.
NB:
On no account should a suspicious package be taken to the police or the security officer.
It should NOT be placed outside in the street, put in a bucket of water or covered with sand. DO NOT MOVE IT!

Action if suspicions are aroused where a package has been partly opened or the contents removed.

If mail becomes suspect while it is in the course of being opened:
1. Order any other personnel present to leave the room as quickly as possible.
2. Place the package, or the contents of the package, as gently as possible on the nearest horizontal firm surface keeping the face and body shielded. This can be achieved by either placing the suspect item behind a substantial object such as a steel cupboard or by leaving the room and using the wall as a barrier placing the item gently on the floor around the corner of the door.
3. Leave the room quickly, closing the door. Prevent other persons going into the room. Lock or otherwise secure if possible.
4. Notify local police or company security officer.