Royal Mail has issued a direct plea to millions of households across the United Kingdom, urging them to consider displaying a simple four-word notice in their windows. The postal service warns that failure to take appropriate action could result in the company having to suspend deliveries to specific addresses entirely.
Addressing a Growing Safety Crisis
With the Easter period approaching, which often brings increased parcel and letter deliveries, Royal Mail is encouraging proactive measures now. Official figures released on the Royal Mail website on June 30, 2025, reveal a troubling 2% increase in attacks on postal workers by dogs compared to the previous year. The total reached 2,197 incidents, equating to approximately 42 attacks each week nationwide. Some of these attacks have resulted in permanent or life-altering injuries for delivery personnel.
A Simple Sign for Safety
To combat this persistent issue, Royal Mail is advocating for straightforward preventative measures that protect its staff while ensuring uninterrupted mail services. One key recommendation is the use of a printable postcard or sign bearing the message: "I have a dog."
This clear visual alert informs the delivery worker to pause and wait while the resident secures their pet, providing adequate time to contain the animal in another room. Royal Mail assures customers that postal workers will wait patiently for the door to be answered safely.
Direct Communication from Royal Mail
In communications distributed to customers, Royal Mail acknowledged the importance of receiving mail but stated its paramount priority is safety. "While receiving your letters and parcels matters, our priority is to get these items to you safely, and I'm hoping that you can help me with that," the letter read. It presented a stark reality: "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."
Guidelines for Public Assistance
Royal Mail has outlined specific actions the public can take to assist:
- Please do not open the door until your dog is safely secured in another room or behind a gate. Postal workers will wait.
- Ensure all gates and doors are closed to prevent dogs from escaping.
- If you have a back or side garden, verify your dog cannot get out and that all access points are secured.
- Consider installing a letter box cage, as dogs can attack through the letterbox, causing serious hand injuries to postal workers, including finger amputations, and potentially injuring the dog itself.
- Provide an alternative, safe delivery point if securing your dog is consistently challenging.
Identifying High-Risk Areas Across the UK
Royal Mail's data highlights specific postcode areas with the highest recorded number of dog attacks on postal workers.
Top High-Risk Postcode Areas
The S (Sheffield) postcode area experienced a concerning 61% surge in attacks this year, with 66 incidents in 2024/25 compared to 41 the previous year. This sharp increase reverses an 18% decline seen the year before. The area has appeared on every high-risk list since postcode-specific data began and tops the list as the most dangerous location for the fourth time.
The PO (Portsmouth) area saw a slight 3% decrease, with 60 attacks versus 62 last year. It has been a top high-risk area for eight consecutive years.
The TN (Kent/Sussex/Surrey) area recorded a 33% rise to 56 attacks, following a 35% fall the previous year. It has been listed for 11 straight years and was ranked the most dangerous location in 2023/24.
The GU (Guildford) area re-entered the high-risk list with 54 attacks, a 29% increase. This marks its sixth appearance on the list.
The NG (Nottingham) area reported 49 attacks, a 17% rise, marking its fifth consecutive year on the list.
The CM (Chelmsford) and BN (Brighton) areas are joint sixth, each with 47 attacks. The BN area has appeared for nine consecutive years.
The BT (Belfast) and NE (Newcastle) areas are joint seventh, each with 45 attacks. The BT area has appeared on every list since 2013.
The SN (Swindon) area returned to the list with 44 attacks, a 10% increase.
The DN (Doncaster) and ST (Staffordshire) areas have entered the high-risk list for the first time, with 42 and 40 attacks respectively, representing significant increases.
Official Statement from Royal Mail Leadership
Lizz Lloyd, Health and 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."
