Tips for Spotting Suspicious Parcels

In the wake of a mail bombing that killed an advertising executive in New Jersey earlier this month, the security firm Kroll Associates has released tips on spotting suspicious packages. The indications of a mail bomb fall into five categories:

* Weight and appearance. Excessive weight for size; uneven or lopsided shape; bulkier than normal; soft spots or bulges; oil stains or greasy marks on the wrapper; small hole in the wrapper; protruding wires, metal or string. Size may vary widely, from cigarette-carton dimensions on up.

* Packaging. Wrapper suggests previous use, such as traces of glue or old mailing labels; unprofessional wrapping, use of excessive or several combinations of tape; endorsements such as “Fragile--Handle With Care,” “Personal and Confidential” or “Rush--Do Not Delay.”

* Postage-Addressing. Excessive or inadequate postage; origin and sender unfamiliar to recipient; no return address; postmark is different city than return address; unusual return address format, such as homemade label, cut-and-paste lettering, rub-on block lettering; name and title of addressee inaccurate; distorted handwriting; misspelling of common words. May be sent by U.S. Postal Service, express delivery services, messenger or may be placed physically at the delivery site.

* Unusual characteristics. Package makes buzzing, ticking, rattling or sloshing sound; emits peculiar odor.

* Contents. Pressure or resistance in removing the contents; visual distractions inside, such as currency or pornography.

“If through these or other clues you suspect a letter or package may be harmful, do not open the item, but isolate it, secure the immediate area and immediately notify your company’s security director and-or local law enforcement authorities,” said John T. Horn, director of Kroll’s corporate security department.

The package should not be immersed in water, he said, but rather placed where it is easily accessible to bomb squad personnel. Windows should be opened in the immediate area to help vent fumes from an explosion or the emission of a harmful gas.