Dog attacks on postal staff in the Swindon area have soared, prompting fresh warnings to pet owners about securing their pets before answering the door.
New figures from Royal Mail reveal that the SN postcode has become one of the worst areas in the UK for dog attacks on workers, with 40 incidents reported between July 2023 and July 2024.
This marks the first time the region has appeared in Royal Mail’s top ten most dangerous postcodes for delivery workers, with the number of attacks rising by 60% compared to the previous year.
Wiltshire Police has urged residents to take simple steps to prevent incidents, such as keeping pets behind stair gates, in crates or in separate rooms when deliveries are expected.
PC Paul Croft, from the force’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.”
The rise in incidents has sparked concern among local postmen and women, with some deliveries now being delayed or avoided entirely if a property is deemed unsafe.
