Royal Mail Issues Stark Warning Over Dog Attack Crisis
Royal Mail has issued a direct warning to customers across the United Kingdom, stating that it may be forced to suspend deliveries to individual addresses if safety concerns are not addressed. This drastic measure could result in households missing critical correspondence, including vital letters from the NHS, important legal documents, and time-sensitive parcels.
Alarming Statistics Behind the Warning
The national postal service has revealed that dog attacks on its staff increased by 2% over the past year, totalling 2,197 separate incidents. This equates to an average of 42 attacks every single week across the UK. While the number of "significant" injuries dropped by 10%—from 82 down to 74—the company stressed that the frequency remains unacceptably high, with some postal workers suffering permanent or disabling injuries that impact their livelihoods.
In a formal letter to customers, Royal Mail explained: "Around 2,000 posties like me are injured by dogs each year, both big and small. When this happens, we must inform the Police and suspend deliveries to your address as we can’t take the chance that the dog may attack again." The message emphasises that while receiving mail is important, the primary duty is to ensure staff safety.
Simple Measures to Prevent Suspensions
Royal Mail is urging dog owners to implement straightforward precautions to keep deliveries flowing and postal workers safe. One key recommendation is the use of a four-word printable postcard that reads 'I have a dog'. This simple notice alerts the delivery person to wait until the dog is secured, providing time for owners to place their pet in another room or behind a gate.
The company has provided a clear set of guidelines for households with dogs:
- Do not open the door until your dog is safely secured in another room or behind a gate.
- Ensure all gates and doors are closed to prevent dogs from escaping.
- If you have a back or side garden, verify that your dog cannot get out.
- Consider installing a letter box cage to prevent dogs from attacking or snatching mail, which can cause serious hand injuries including finger amputation.
- Provide an alternative delivery point if the above measures are challenging to implement.
Royal Mail assures customers that postal workers will wait patiently once alerted, prioritising safety without compromising service.
UK's High-Risk Postcode Areas Revealed
Analysis of location-specific data highlights concerning trends in dog attack hotspots across the country. The S postcode area (Sheffield) tops the list with a 61% increase in attacks this year, recording 66 incidents compared to 41 the previous year. This area has appeared on every high-risk list since Royal Mail began reporting postcode data.
Other notable high-risk locations include:
- PO (Portsmouth): 60 attacks, marking a slight 3% decrease but remaining a persistent hotspot for eight consecutive years.
- TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey): 56 attacks, representing a 33% increase following a previous year's decline.
- GU (Guildford): 54 attacks, showing a 29% rise from the previous period.
- NG (Nottingham): 49 attacks, a 17% increase and the fifth consecutive year on the danger list.
Further areas of concern include CM (Chelmsford) and BN (Brighton) with 47 attacks each, BT (Belfast) and NE (Newcastle) with 45 attacks each, and SN (Swindon) with 44 attacks. The DN (Doncaster) and ST (Staffordshire) postcode areas have entered the high-risk list for the first time, with 42 and 40 attacks respectively.
Official Statement from Royal Mail Leadership
Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, stated: "Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers. In many cases, these incidents result in serious injuries, emotional distress, and time away from work. Royal Mail continues to call on the public to be vigilant and responsible by securing their pets before opening the door to receive mail or packages."
She added: "We continue to invest in safety training and awareness campaigns for both employees and the public but emphasise that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents." The appeal underscores that preventing delivery suspensions relies on collective public action to protect those who deliver the nation's mail.
