By Alan Wilson

TWO POSTAL workers in Dundee have been suspended by Royal Mail after they were suspected of stealing Radio 1 Big Weekend tickets.

The employees, a man and a woman who both work in Dundee East delivery office, are alleged to have been found in possession of six pairs of tickets.

If an investigation confirms their guilt the two are likely to be sacked and a report sent to the procurator fiscal who will decide whether they have committed a criminal offence and should be prosecuted.

A spokesman for Royal Mail said the pair were uncovered by the company’s security staff acting on information after a complaint was made.

The spokesman issued a statement confirming the suspensions in answer to questions from The Courier, following a tip-off by a reader, asking whether staff had been disciplined.

The news will shock thousands of disappointed Dundonians who failed to receive tickets in the ballot following the BBC’s announcement that the briefs would be issued without notifying the winners.

Only two days ago embarrassed Royal Mail bosses moved to quash rumours of the possible theft of tickets after being made aware of them by The Courier, saying that the tickets were all in plain, unmarked envelopes so there was nothing to distinguish them from normal mail.

They added that Royal Mail takes its responsibilities very seriously and would do everything to make sure tickets were delivered to those intended to receive them.

However, The Courier continued to receive Emails and calls from readers saying tickets were being offered for sale in pubs across the city, allegedly by postal staff.

Last night the spokesman said, “Following a very specific complaint, Royal Mail’s security team has identified two members of staff who have today been suspended from their posts at Dundee East delivery office.

“The man and woman are suspected of tampering with and failing to deliver a small number of tickets for the Big Weekend event.

“A full investigation is currently under way and it is extremely likely these people will be dismissed.

“Delaying or tampering with mail is a criminal offence and Royal Mail can and will report the findings of its investigation directly to the procurator fiscal.

“The security of the mail is of paramount importance to Royal Mail and we treat any such cases very seriously indeed.

“We have acted swiftly to deal with these allegations as soon as they were made to us.

“The tickets affect six (12 tickets) customers in Dundee East only and these will be delivered by senior managers before the event.

“Royal Mail will not allow the actions of two individuals to damage the reputation of the honest, dedicated postmen and women of Dundee.”