This communication regarding suspicious mail has been issued by the National Counter Terrorism Security Office (NaCTSO) and the Centre for Protection of the National Infrastructure (CPNI). Please feel free to forward it on wherever appropriate.
If you would like more advice about your specific situation, what risks you might face from suspicious mail (or other security related issues), or would like help training your staff in handling packages, then get in touch.
You can download advice on Suspicious Package Indicators and some Police advice on suspected contaminated mail.
Suspicious mail advice
The recent delivery of a number of packages to an address in London led the recipient to believe that the contents were contaminated and request police assistance.
While the packages were found to contain a harmless substance and the matter was resolved, it has highlighted an opportunity to provide guidance on the safe handling of mail and the initial response when recipients have concerns regarding potential contamination.
This is especially the case with businesses and charitable organisations connected with the Department of Work and Pensions’ mandatory work activity placement scheme who may be the recipients of unsolicited packages sent as part of a campaign of protest against the scheme.
While we are not aware of any specific threat, details available on websites may have been used to identify such companies and encourage protest against them
This is an important reminder for security managers to review their mail handling procedures and ensure that all relevant staff are aware of and understand the correct protocols. This in turn means that any item of concern can be dealt with appropriately and a proportionate police response can be provided.
Further advice and threat reporting is available from:Â http://www.nactso.gov.uk/Â |Â http://www.cpni.gov.uk/
In an emergency call 999
For non emergencies call 101
For the Anti Terrorist Hotline call 0800 789 321
http://www.met.police.uk/so/at_hotline.htm
