Royal Mail is urging dog owners in the SN postcode area to take extra precautions after a shocking 60% year-on-year increase in dog attacks on postal workers.
The SN area includes Swindon, Chippenham, Calne, Corsham, Devizes, Malmesbury, Melksham, and Pewsey, is now among the top ten regions in the UK for these incidents.
In the past year (July 2023 - July 2024), a staggering 40 dog attack incidents were reported by postal workers in the SN area, marking the first time the region has appeared in the top ten list. This alarming rise has prompted a joint call for action from Royal Mail and Wiltshire Police.
“Dog attacks have a devastating effect on our people, and we are appealing to dog owners to think twice when the postperson calls,” a Royal Mail Group spokesperson stated. “All dog attacks can have life changing consequences for victims.”
PC Paul Croft, from Wiltshire Police’s dog handling unit, said: “Wiltshire Police advise dog owners to apply caution and ensure their dogs are under control at all times to prevent the risk of an incident of this nature. Dog attacks can have significant, long-term health and emotional impacts on victims.
“Wiltshire Police take reports of dog attacks seriously, and offer the following advice to dog owners. Think before you open the door to a delivery, and take an extra moment to secure your dog in another room of the house, in a crate, or behind a stair gate, before opening the front door. Take note of the time your delivery is scheduled for and ensure your dog is not left alone in the garden if that is an access point for delivery workers to your front door.”
Royal Mail statistics reveal that nearly half of all attacks occur at the front door, with over a quarter taking place in the front garden. This highlights the importance of vigilance even within seemingly secure areas. They also warn against children opening the door, as dogs may push past them and attack.
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