Is opening someones mail in the UK a crime?

Answer 1

If the postman has made an error in posting it to the correct house address then it should be returned to the Royal Mail.

If the address is correct but the name is wrong then it is legal to open it.

Answer 2

Yes it is a crime to open other people's mail in the UK, this in interception of communications which is a criminal offence under the Regulation of Investigatory Powers Act 2000. This also applies to emails, phone calls and text messages.

However, the crime is only committed if the mail is in the course of transmission. Which basically means that if it has already arrived at your address then it is not interception if someone else just opens it.

If the person steals the contents or uses them to commit a fraud (for example) then they may commit other offences.

Some government agencies (such as the police) have the power to open mail even if it is in transmission, but only when authorised by a warrant signed by the Home Secretary who will want to know the reason why.

Customs Officers do not have to have permission, but can only open items entering or exiting the UK.

Sometimes the Post Office will open mail if it has been incorrectly addressed in order to work out where to deliver it or to return it. This is lawful because it is part of the agreement in posting a letter.

Answer 3

If a letter comes through my door and I find its wrongly addressed to another person after I had opened it then it's the fault of the post person,but if I reseal it and put it in the post with a note written on it that will be

Answer 4

Yes, it is illegal to open someone else's mail in the UK without reasonable excuse. A jail term or fine could be imposed if one is guilty of such an act.

Answer 5

Yes, As it is considered Invasion of privacy.

Answer 6

Yes as long as you are not doing it to the detriment of the other person.

It is illegal to interfere with the Royal Mail.