Possible indicators that a delivered item may be of concern

Manyof these indicators are quite general. One alone will not necessarily constitute a cause for concern. Their individual relevance will vary with context, e.g. from organisation to organisation, and in light of the current threat and Response Level. Any suspicions should be considered in combination with a good risk assessment.

General Indicators: 

• unexpected item, especially if hand delivered
• a padded envelope ('Jiffy Bag') or other bulky package
• additional inner envelope or other contents that may be difficult to remove
• labelling or excessive sealing that encourages opening at a particular end or in a particular way
• oddly shaped or lopsided
• envelope flap stuck down completely (normally gummed envelope flaps leave slight gaps at edges)
• marked 'to be opened only by..' 'personal' or 'confidential'
• item addressed to the organisation or a title/post (rather than a specific individual)
• unexpected or unusual origin (postmark and/or return address)
• no return address or return address that cannot be verified
• poorly or inaccurately addressed
• address printed unevenly or unusually
• unfamiliar writing or unusual style
• unusual postmark or no postmark
• more stamps than needed for size/weight of package
• greasy or oily stains emanating from within.

Additional explosive or incendiary indicators:

• unusually heavy or uneven weight distribution
• small hole(s) in envelope or wrapping.

Additional CBR indicators:

• powders, liquids or odours emanating from package
• wrapping stained by liquid leakage
• unexpected items or materials found in package on opening or x-raying (loose or in a container): powdered, crystalline or granular solids; liquids; sticky substances or residues
• unexpected odours observed on opening
• sudden onset of illness or irritation of skin, eyes or nose.