Suspicious Package Advice

AudlemOnline has been passed this advice from the Counter Terrorism Policing unit.

The advice message deals mainly about security in shopping centres and other crowded areas, but it does also include a section on how individual members of the public should deal with suspicious packages.

When dealing with a suspicious item the HOT protocol may be used to inform your judgement:

Is it Hidden?

 Has the item been deliberately concealed or is it obviously hidden from view?

Obviously suspicious?

 Does it have wires, circuit boards, batteries, tape, liquids or putty-like substances visible?
 Do you think the item poses an immediate threat to life?

Is the item Typical of what you would expect to find in this location?

 Most lost property is found in locations where people congregate. Ask if anyone has left the item.
 If the item is assessed to be unattended rather than suspicious, examine further before applying lost property procedures.

When dealing with suspicious items

 Do not touch
 Try and identify an owner in the immediate area.
 If you still think it's suspicious, don't feel embarrassed or think somebody else will report it.
 Report it to a member of staff, security, or if they are not available dial 999 (do not use your mobile phone in the immediate vicinity).
 Move away to a safe distance – Even for a small item such as a briefcase move at least 100m away from the item starting from the centre and moving out.

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