Opening other peoples post

[richfinch]

is there a rule against opening others post? I moved house last week and the developer that bought the old house said i could keep a key to collect any post that isnt redirected. He has builders in already, and when i went back last night found that post had been opened and left lying on the floor in the house, and it was addressed to me!
regards
richard

[sausagechips]

yeah it is illegal to open other peoples mail!!
have a word with the builders and explain that if they do it again you will be contacting there boss and the police.

[Ethel]

No, it's not against the law.

It is illegal to interfere with Royal Mail but only up to the point of delivery.

[Ethel]

The Postal Services Act 2000 is clear that an offence is created if anyone intentionally delays the post or intentionally opens a mail bag. The Act goes on to say: "A person commits an offence if, intending to act to a person's detriment and without reasonable excuse, he opens a postal packet which he knows or reasonably suspects has been incorrectly delivered to him."

You have to prove that the person opening the post did so with the express intention of acting to your detriment. That is very difficult to prove, unless it is obviously a letter from the bank and you can show he used the information to get money out of your account, or get a loan in your name, for example.

The fact of opening the letter is not enough.

[Whickerman]

course, the builder most likely won't know that Ethel, so the threat of police may well be enough to prevent reoccurence. I'd expect an apology from them too

[lawsanass]

I would be careful, if you threaten them with the police, the chances are any further mail will go 'missing'!!!

[snowangel_uk]

Might be worth getting a redirection set up with Royal mail - it would cost you �16.15 for 3 months, that way any mail from companies you have not yet informed of your new address would be delivered directly to your new home, bypassing the prying eyes at your old place ! You can get more info and set up your redirection online at www.royalmail.com