Suspicious package or mail

Keep Calm, Keep Safe, Take Action

If you discover an object that you suspect is potentially harmful do not touch or approach it

Use the suspicious features list below to determine if the item is suspicious

Suspicious features

  • Excessive weight for its size
  • Rigid envelope
  • Lopsided or uneven envelope or package
  • Excessive securing material
  • Protruding wires, string, tinfoil etc
  • Oily stains or discolouration
  • Source unknown
  • Visual distractions
  • Unexpected or unsolicited mail, both local and foreign
  • Excessive postage on local mail
  • Restrictive markings (i.e. private, personal)
  • Handwritten or poorly typed address
  • No sender details
  • No return address
  • Incorrect titles
  • Incorrect titles or titles but no names
  • Misspelling of common words, name, address
                              If the item displays suspicious features If the item does not display suspicious features 
                              • Do not open the package or cut strings
                              • Gently lower to a level surface - do not disturb
                              • Clear immediate area of all people

                              From a safe distance call:

                              • The Police (111). Do not use a mobile phone or allow anyone to use one in the vicinity of the object
                              • Then call Security: Use the UOA Alert app or call 0800 373 7550
                              • The senior person on duty and inform them of the situation
                              • Follow the advice of Police / Security

                              From a safe distance call:

                              • Security: Use the UOA Alert app or call 0800 373 7550.  Do not use a mobile phone or allow anyone to use one in the vicinity of the object
                              • The senior person on duty and inform them of the situation
                              • Follow the advice of Security

                              If Powder Mail is suspected

                              • Do not shake or empty the contents of a suspicious letter or package
                              • Keeps hands away from mouth, nose and ears
                              • Do not try to clean up anything that spills from the package

                              Further actions

                              • Turn off any fans, air conditioning or heaters – this will likely require help from Property Management
                              • Close windows – the substance should not be disturbed in any way
                              • Avoid tracking any spilled powder to other locations
                              • Do not take anything away from the location
                              • Close the door to the room holding the item – ensure no one else enters room or area
                              • Wash hands with soap and water
                              • Advise Security Team/Property Manager of the incident immediately after washing hands
                              • Vacate and cordon off the immediate area
                              • Keep away from others – use a phone to communicate if required
                              • Do not brush the substance off clothing – wait for professional decontamination advice

                              Incident Manager’s Actions

                              • Clear everyone from the area and isolate the location. Use staff to help enforce a cordon
                              • Arrange for the air-conditioning to be turned off immediately
                              • Advise Police and follow their instructions
                              • Ensure any exposed staff are seen as soon as possible by a medical practitioner

                              Resources

                              NZ Police suspicious letter or package recognition points

                              Document Control
                              Version: 2.1
                              Last Updated: Jul 2026
                              Next Review: Jul 2029
                              Owner: hsw@auckland.ac.nz
                              Approver: Associate Director, Health Safety & Wellbeing

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