Postal terrorism – a bomb disposal expert’s perspective
Terrorism is long-term threat to the United Kingdom communication network, both public and private. Few if any of today’s postal organizations are well prepared to manage security related to terrorists’ activities. The economic issues related to a terrorist attack using the postal system are far ranging and more serious than credit is generally given. Using early-stage, inexpensive, and existing technology combined with quality training, terrorist acts using domestic mail systems can be effectively reduced.
What is postal terrorism? – postal devices are not a new concept, indeed history has recorded many instances in the past. For example, one of the world’s first postal devices is mentioned in the 18th century diary of Danish historian Bolle Willum Luxdorph. In the entry for January 19, 1764 he writes the following: “ Colonel Poulsen residing at Børglum Abbey was sent by mail a box. When he opens it, therein is to be found gunpowder and a firelock which sets fire unto it, so he became very injured.” He later received a further letter stating that the dose, meaning gun powder, would be increased next time. The perpetrator was never found.
A bit closer to home In February 2007,we had the mail bombs sent by Miles Cooper. These bombs were unique in the sense that they contained very little in the way of recognizable components, making them very difficult to detect even for seasoned professionals.
So who poses a threat? – some extremist groups have a subversive agenda, seeking to undermine parliamentary democracy or the British economy.
At various times in the recent past, groups that have fallen into this category have included violent Scottish and Welsh nationalists, right- and left-wing extremists, animal rights extremists and other militant single-issue protestors.
Of course there is still the ever-present threat from international terrorists. 45 international terrorist organizations are proscribed under the Terrorism Act 2000 and of these two organizations are proscribed under powers introduced in the Terrorism Act 2006, as glorifying terrorism. 14 organizations in Northern Ireland are proscribed under previous legislation
So why use the postal system? – the answer is simple. Any credible terrorist worth his salt will want to ensure that any device being sent reaches its intended target and by using the conventional postal system, it stands a good chance of doing so. This of course depends greatly upon the device being well concealed and that the systems in place are flawed to the extent that the device can get past the post room or reception area and onto its intended victim. The other reason not to be discounted is that most terrorists do not want to get caught, and the postal system offers them the capability of being anonymous.
What can we do to mitigate the risk? – there is a lot of technology available X-ray scanners can be purchased from a number of suppliers at prices similar to that of a franking machine. The equipment however is only as good as the person operating it; in fact a poorly trained operator adds to the risk as it lulls company employees into a false sense of security that their mail has been screened and is certified safe to open.
A well trained post room employee, skilled in the art of recognising suspect packages and well versed with the procedures should they come across an item of this nature, would be an invaluable asset to any organisation. Only by being proactive can we arrest this threat of domestic and international terrorism. Remember, the ever present threat of slashing devices and also chemical, biological and radiological threats (white powder incidents) can cause chaos alarm and panic, which, with a little bit of forward thinking, could so easily be avoided by the investment of a well trained mail handler combined with simple robust contingency procedures.
Ian Mc Donnell
Managing Director
Posteroute Ltd
www.posteroute.com
