Letter and parcel bombs generally are "victim
activated" meaning that a victim or intended target must activate the
device by opening it. They do not normally contain timing devices.
Bombs can range from the size of a cigarette
package to a large parcel. Letter and package bombs have been disguised as
letters, books, candy, and figurines. Delivery methods have included mail
systems, personal delivery, or placement at the recipient's site.
A letter or parcel bomb might have some of the
following indicators:
- Suspicious origin, especially if the postmark
or name of sender is unusual, unknown, or no further address is given.
- Excessive or inadequate postage.
- Off-balance or lopsided letter or
package.
- Unusual weight for the size of the letter or
package. Letters also may be unusually thick.
- Stiffness or springiness of contents. (When
checking, do not bend excessively.)
- Protruding wires or components; unusual grease
or oil stains on the envelope.
- Strange smell, particularly almond or other
suspicious odors.
- Handwriting of sender is not familiar or
indicates a foreign style not normally received by recipient.
- Common words or names are misspelled.
- Rub on or block lettering.
- Restrictive markings such as
"confidential" or "personal" or a honorific title
appended to the name of the addressee.
- Small hole in the envelope or package wrapping
that could be a provision for an arming/safety wire.
- Rattling inside the envelope or
package--possibly loose components of a device.
- Visual distractions (i.e., currency,
pornography).
If you identify a letter or package as suspicious,
don't let anyone near it. Notify the
security immediately, and leave the letter or package in an open area, such as
a courtyard, where it is easily accessible to bomb squad personnel. Never
submerge it in water.
