HERTFORDSHIRE police are warning the senders of hoax packages they could face prison, after an anthrax scare at Hatfield postal sorting office on Wednesday, October 17, was caused by baking powder, bagels and croissants.
Detective Superintendent Steve Read said: "Hoaxers will be pursued relentlessly by police and dealt with by the courts, in line with Government policy and public opinion.
"We are urging people always to use robust packaging when sending items through the post to avoid this sort of incident."
Sorting officers discovered a white powder coming from the damaged parcel at the office in The Common, which appeared to be from abroad and had an unclear address, sparking an operation involving specialist police and ambulance teams, but which turned out to be an innocent food parcel.
No action will be taken against either sender or receiver, as the package was not considered a hoax.
DS Read said: "The staff at the sorting office carried out exactly the right procedures in the circumstances.
"In the US people have been exposed to anthrax just by being in the same room as a letter containing the disease."
Assistant Chief Constable Jim Nicolson, in overall command of the operation, acknowledged the disruption it had caused and thanked local people for their patience.
As the death toll from anthrax sent through the post in the USA rose to three, Hertfordshire police issued guidance that the risk of chemical or biological attack in the UK was low, but businesses and organisations should review their procedures for handling mail.
They advised all deliveries should be handled at one location, examined for foreign bodies or powder and opened using minimal movement to avoid spilling the contents.
Letters and packages could be suspicious if they featured oily stains, threatening messages, strange odours, discolouration, or were unusually addressed.
Suspicious packages, opened or not, should be placed intact into a clear sealable plastic bag if possible.
Regular checks should be made of sensitive areas such as air conditioning intakes and plant rooms, which should be secured from unauthorised access.
October 24, 2001 12:14
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