Suspicious package: what to do¶

Most unattended bags and parcels are harmless. If something looks wrong, though, do not take a chance. This page tells you what to do, what to look for, and what to tell the police.

Do this now¶

1. Do not touch, move, open, shake, or smell the item.
2. Move away from it, and tell other people to move away too.
3. Call your local emergency number (911 in the United States and Canada, 112 across the European Union, 999 in the United Kingdom) once you are at a distance.
4. Follow the instructions of the police and the call taker. Do not go back for belongings.
5. Be ready to say what you saw, where, and when.

What makes an item suspicious¶

Think about whether an item is out of place. Safety agencies use the word HOT to help: is it Hidden, Obviously suspicious, and not Typical for the place? A bag left in an open space with its owner nearby is normal. A bag hidden behind a bin, with wires or an odd smell, is not.

Signs that may be worth reporting:

• An item left alone with no owner, in a place where it does not belong
• Wires, batteries, or tape sticking out
• An unusual smell, oily stains, or powder
• A package with no return address, a wrong name, too many stamps, or an odd shape or weight
• A mailed item you were not expecting, addressed oddly

None of these proves a threat. Many suspicious looking items turn out to be harmless, but let the police decide.

... warning "Keep your distance" Do not touch the item, even to look inside. Keep well back and keep others away. In the United Kingdom, former government guidance suggested staying at least 100 meters (about 330 feet) away from even a small item, with solid cover between you and it if you can. Follow the police if they give you a distance.

Using your phone¶

Move away before you call. Official guidance, including from United States federal agencies, says not to use mobile phones, pagers, or radios close to a suspected device. Call from a distance, and follow what police tell you about phones and radios.

What to tell the police¶

• Where the item is, as exactly as you can, with the street, building, or room
• What it looks like: size, shape, color, and anything sticking out
• When you saw it, and whether it has been there long
• Whether you saw anyone leave it, and what they looked like
• Whether anyone has touched it, and what you have done

If you can do it safely, note what made you suspicious. Do not go back to check.

If you opened a letter or package¶

If you have already opened an item and see powder, liquid, or a strange smell:

1. Put it down gently on a stable surface. Do not shake it or try to clean it.
2. Leave the room, close the door, and keep others out.
3. Wash your hands with soap and water.
4. Call your local emergency number, and tell them what happened.
5. Stay where officials tell you to wait, so they can check you.

In the United States¶

The Department of Homeland Security runs the "If You See Something, Say Something" campaign. It asks people to report suspicious activity to local law enforcement, not to the Department itself. For an immediate threat, call 911. For non emergencies, contact your local police.

Other countries¶

Police services in many countries ask the public to report unattended or suspicious items and to leave the area. Check your national police or security agency for local advice and reporting numbers.

After the scene¶

Police may close an area and move people back. Stay calm and follow instructions. You may be asked for a statement later. If you were near a possible device and feel unwell, tell the responders.

If you feel anxious afterward, that is normal. Talk to someone you trust.

Related guides¶

• Active attacker
• Civil unrest
• Emergency numbers
• Family emergency plan