When assessing whether an item of mail is suspicious or not, as a minimum, the following must be considered:

Does the mail/package come from a trustworthy/known supplier/sender? Note: Suspicious mail can, of course, also come from known suppliers/senders. Therefore, be vigilant if something seems out of the ordinary or in any other way raises suspicion.

• Is the name/identity of the sender/return address missing?
• What is the texture of the packaging? Is the packaging intact or not? Does it seem authentic or suspicious considering the expected contents?
• Do you suspect that the mail/package might contain powder or similar substances?
• Is the mail/package unusually heavy in relation to its size?
• Is the number of packages as expected?
• Does it have a delivery note?
• Is the text typed or handwritten, are there any spelling mistakes, is information such as name, job title, address etc. incorrect?
• Does it have unusual/unfamiliar stamps/franking? (Experience shows that letter bombs often have excessive postage to ensure that they reach the recipient).
• Is it marked  ‘Personal’, ‘Confidential’ or similar?
• Have small holes been punched into the packaging?
• Does the mail/package have a strange/suspicious smell?
• Are there any signs of liquid leakage on the envelope?
• Is the mail/package addressed to a specific unit or person, and is it different from the mail/packages which are usually addressed to this unit/person? (Contact the unit or employee to find out whether they are expecting a package/mail).                 

If not suspicious, the mail/package can be opened.

If the mail/package still seems suspicious, all handling of the mail/package should stop. Follow the agreed communication channels and alarm instructions. Wait for assistance from the authorities, if necessary. Call 112 if assistance from the authorities is needed.

REMEMBER! Always ask a colleague for a second opinion, if you think an item of mail seems suspicious. Follow the agreed chain of reporting and alarm instructions.