Letter bombs – Checklist of what to look out for

Published on 19 Feb 2007

Police are urging office workers to be alert to suspicious packages, after seven letter bombs were posted in England and Wales in three weeks, leaving six people with minor injuries.

Assistant Chief Constable Anton Setchell has warned companies, organisations and individuals to take extra care when handling mail. Several of the devices were sent to companies with links to motoring. In the last few days devices have exploded at Driver and Vehicle Licensing Agency's main centre in Swansea; at the offices of an accountancy firm linked to Speed Check Services, a provider of digital speed cameras to the police; and at the central London offices of Capita, which runs London's congestion charge system.

This has prompted fears that a serial letter bomber with a vendetta against driving regulation authorities may be in operation.

Business continuity expert and MD of Visor Consultants Limited Peter Power often appears in the media discussing crises and has considerable front-line experience of incidents ranging from terrorist events to corporate dramas. He offered the following advice on how businesses can reduce the risk to employees of letter bombs:

Post bombs may explode on opening. Other mail may contain infectious/contaminated matter. Look for:

  • THE POSTMARK - Especially if unusual or foreign. Seek clarification from the addressee (e.g. is it expected?)
  • THE WRITING - Which may be in a 'foreign' style. Do you recognise it?
  • THE BALANCE - Is it evenly balanced? If the letter or parcel is lopsided, treat it as suspect.
  • THE WEIGHT - If this seems to be excessive for size, treat it as suspect.
  • ANY HOLES - Are there any small holes or pinpoints, which could have been made by wires? Any wires sticking out?
  • STAINS - Are there any stains or grease marks?
  • THE SMELL - Some, but certainly not all, explosives have an aroma of marzipan or almonds.
  • THE FEEL - In the case of letters, it will indicate whether there is only folded paper inside (which will show that it is all right) or if there is stiffening; for example, cardboard or the feel of metal, in which case treat it as suspect.
  • THE OUTLINE - Can you see if there are any unusual outlines if you hold it up to the light?
  • THE FLAP - Is the flap of the envelope stuck down completely? (There is usually a small gap.) If so, treat it as suspect.
  • STAMPS - The terrorist often puts too many so it will pass through the post office. Remember, most government/official mail is stamped by franking machine without postage stamps being applied.

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