Mail scanning: more than just detecting explosives and biohazards

Tuesday, Apr 21st 2020
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When we hear of security incidents that involve suspicious packages, it usually relates to explosives or biological threats. Thankfully, these are extremely rare events. The use of scanning equipment can quickly identify such threats, reducing the risk of damage and injury – but routine use of security scanners can provide all kinds of organisations with greater peace of mind.  

At the start of this year, a letter bombing campaign targeted locations around the country. Although one device did detonate, no one was injured by any of the explosive devices that were found, and which were later linked with terrorism. Late last year, numerous packages containing the poison ricin were sent out by a disgruntled U.S. Navy veteran.

Most organisations won’t likely find themselves a target for this type of activity but, given how serious the consequences could be, the risk must be taken seriously at all times. With specialist scanning equipment in place, businesses, universities, hospitals, schools or any other buildings that receive incoming mail can be equipped to detect dangerous items before they can cause harm to people or property.

In addition to helping protect against the impact of extremely rare events, the equipment has the added benefit of quickly ruling-out any false alarms, which can cause just as much disruption as legitimate threats.

Furthermore, scanning equipment will also pick up additional items that, although less dangerous, still pose a significant threat. Even simple metal detection functionality can quickly pick up on dangerous tools or knives which, it has just been reported, are being found in growing numbers on school premises around the country.   

If you consider your organisation to potentially be at risk, and you’d like to find out about security scanners that can help detect dangerous items, you can take a look at our range here and download our brochure.