One person has reportedly suffered a “reaction” to a strange package that was left in their letterbox, purportedly from NSW Health.
NSW Health has warned people to avoid handling any such package, saying it is aware they had been delivered to an unknown number of homes around Leppington and Austral in western Sydney.
One resident has since said their neighbour had a “reaction” to the contents of a package, with Fire and Rescue NSW HAZMAT crews called to their property about 10.40am on Tuesday.
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Police are investigating the packages, which appeared to be a small piece of fabric with an unknown substance tied up in a ball and which were left in letterboxes with a card or note claiming it was a “gift” from NSW Health.
NSW Health on Monday warned people to “safely dispose” of any such packages.
“NSW Health is aware that cards and packages have been placed in letterboxes in some homes in Sydney falsely claiming to be a ‘gift’ and ‘remedial therapy’ from NSW Health,” it said on X.
“We have reported this matter to NSW Police.
“We strongly advise anyone who has received such a package to safely dispose of it without opening it.”
It also warned: “Beware of scammers: NSW health will never leave gifts in your letter box.”
Residents have posted images of the packages, as well as HAZMAT and police crews in their streets, to social media.
Fire and Rescue NSW confirmed it has been “assisting police” with the situation, but it was now a police matter.
NSW Police said officers were investigating “reports of packages being received in mailboxes falsely claiming to have been sent by NSW Health”.
“The public is advised that if they receive an item of this nature, they should avoid handling the package and contact police immediately,” police said.
“Members of the public coming into contact with these items should wash their hands thoroughly.”
Anyone who has information on who has received a package is asked to contact police.