Need to know
Royal Mail has issued some advice to customers, urging them to take action now to avoid delivery suspension, and a a four-word sign could help
Need to know: Royal Mail urges dog owners to display warning signs as attacks on postal workers rise
- Royal Mail is urging dog owners to display a simple four-word sign reading “I have a dog” to protect postal workers from attacks.
- The warning comes as new figures reveal dog attacks on postal workers increased by 2% over the past year, reaching 2,197 incidents nationwide. This equates to approximately 42 attacks each week, with some delivery staff sustaining permanent or life-changing injuries.
- The service has warned customers that failing to take appropriate measures could result in deliveries to their address being suspended. Royal Mail acknowledged that while “receiving your letters and parcels” is important, its priority is “to get these items to you safely.” This does not mean you have to display the sign, but it could help some.
- Sheffield topped the list of high-risk areas with 66 attacks recorded in 2024/25, representing a worrying 61% rise. Portsmouth and Kent/Sussex/Surrey also featured prominently in the dangerous postcode areas.
- The letter revealed a troubling statistic: “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.”
- Lizz Lloyd, Health and Safety Director at Royal Mail, said: “Dog attacks remain one of the most significant safety risks faced by postal workers.” She emphasised that community cooperation is essential to reducing these incidents.
- READ THE FULL STORY: Royal Mail urges dog owners to display four-word sign or risk delivery suspension
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