Newcastle has ranked third in the country for the number of dog attacks recorded against postal workers, according to Royal Mail data released today. The city recorded 50 attacks in 2025/26, an 11% increase from 45 incidents in the previous reporting period. This marks the fifth time Newcastle has appeared in the high-risk locations list.
National figures show 2,019 attacks, 8% decrease
Royal Mail announced that 2,019 dog attacks on staff were reported over the past year, representing an 8% decrease compared to the previous reporting period. While the company welcomes the drop, it says the attacks remain "unacceptably high." The figure equates to an average of 38 attacks every week across the UK, with some leading to permanent and disabling injuries.
Sheffield tops list for second consecutive year
For the second consecutive year, Sheffield recorded the highest number of incidents, with 61 attacks reported. Although still the postcode area with the greatest number of attacks, the total figure was down 8% on last year when 66 attacks were recorded. Two postcode areas were ranked joint second: Doncaster and Guildford, each recording 53 incidents. Newcastle and Portsmouth were tied for third place with 50 attacks each.
Serious injuries decline but remain a concern
This year saw a reduction in attacks causing serious and significant injury to postal workers. There were 61 significant injuries recorded in 2025/26, compared with 74 the previous year — a 17% reduction. However, the number of serious injuries remains a cause for concern. Dog attacks on Royal Mail staff resulted in 3,442 days of absence in 2025/26, with the longest period ongoing at over 300 days.
Majority of attacks occur at front door
There were 1,048 (52%) attacks at the front door, a 4% increase on the 1,005 last year. These figures highlight that the majority of incidents happen on private property, where postal workers have a legal right to access. A further 511 (25%) dog attacks took place in the garden, drive or yard. There were 135 (7%) attacks in the street or road. Additionally, 324 injuries were suffered through the letterbox, accounting for 16% of attacks on postal workers. Letterbox attacks were the subject of a 2020 High Court ruling that stated dog owners (or those in care of a dog) can be prosecuted if their pets have free access to the letterbox and cause injury to any delivery operative, whether the owner is at home or not.
Dog Awareness Week urges responsible ownership
The figures have been released at the start of the 14th annual Dog Awareness Week, which runs from July 6 to 12 and actively encourages responsible dog ownership. Royal Mail is appealing to dog owners to ensure they understand the devastating impact of attacks on postmen and postwomen and take proper measures to ensure their pets pose no threat to delivery postal workers or the community at large. Lizz Lloyd, Health & Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: "While it's encouraging to see dog attacks on our colleagues fall by 8% last year, these incidents remain a serious risk to postal workers, resulting in painful injuries and lasting distress. Every attack is one too many. We continue to raise awareness of the issue among the public, but preventing attacks starts at the doorstep. We're urging dog owners to take simple steps, such as keeping pets secure before opening the door, to help keep our people safe."
